VOICES
MALAYSIA
Slower HIV Infection Decline Threatens 2030 AIDS Elimination Goal: Zaliha
The rate of decline of new HIV cases in Malaysia slowed to 24% between 2010 and 2022 from 50% in the previous decade, threatening Malaysia's aim to end AIDS by 2030, says Dr Zaliha Mustafa. About 3,000 new HIV cases are reported yearly in the country.
Cabinet Approves Weaker Tobacco Bill Decoupled From GEG
Cabinet has approved a weaker revised Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill presented by MOH that is decoupled from the tobacco and vape GEG. The bill has been approved for tabling next week, but it's unclear if there's time due to other bills.
WORLD
New Zealand’s New Government To Repeal Tobacco GEG
New Zealand's new govt plans to repeal smoke-free laws, including the ban on cigarettes for those born from 2009. Coincidentally, Malaysia's Cabinet also today approved the decoupling of the GEG, which was modelled after New Zealand, from the tobacco bill.
WHO Requests Information From China On Mystery Child Pneumonia Outbreak
WHO has made an official request to China through the IHR mechanism for data on a widespread outbreak of "undiagnosed pneumonia" in children that is reportedly overwhelming hospitals in Beijing and Liaoning, 800km apart, with sick children on IV drips.
