Island health differs from other health care systems, particularly in that there are limited resources and referral faculties available. With globalisation and climate change, island populations have become increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters and global pandemics. This study will identify, explore, compare and report on island health issues facing in the western Pacific, before making appropriate recommendations. A review of selected health indicators in Pacific islands was collected from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other publicly available resources. In the Pacific region, 15 islands saw lower health expenditure (

Aims: This study was conducted to isolate Bacillus cereus from raw and cooked chicken meat from selected retail shops and wet markets in Kota Bharu and to determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns of B. cereus. Methodology and results: A total of sixty samples (30 from raw and 30 from cooked chicken meat) were tested for presence of B. cereus. Isolation and identification of B. cereus was done by using routine bacterial culture and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Bacillus cereus was detected in 16.67% (10/60) of the samples tested. All isolates were negative for the enterotoxigenic gene, nhe genes, however, six of the isolates were found to be positive for hbla genes. B. cereus isolates showed 100% resistance towards beta lactam antibiotics. Conclusion, significance and impact study: Although only 60 samples are analysed in the current study, the fact that toxigenic strains of B. cereus were isolated in cooked chicken meat intended for human consumption implies the potential public health risk it might pose. Further study with increased sample size, screening other toxigenic strains of B. cereus and molecular typing is recommended to have a more detailed understanding of the occurrence of the bacteria in chicken meat in Kota Bharu. It is necessary to educate the public on the risks of food contamination by bacteria that may cause food borne illnesses. Some precautions such as routine checking of the freshness of food before consumption, hygienic preparation and proper cooking of food can be implemented to reduce the risks of food borne illnesses related B. cereus and other potentially dangerous bacteria.
Bacillus cereus ; Foodborne Diseases

A cross-sectional survey combined with 24-hour dietary recall and food diary was undertaken to assess the calcium intake of the Myanmar population. The study was conducted from November 2003 to October 2005. A total of 886 subjects of both sexes aged above 2 years from three States and Divisions (Bago, Kayin, and Yangon) of Myanmar were included in the study. The major measures were mean daily calcium intake (mg/day) and major sources of calcium in the diet. Overall mean calcium intake was 197+13mg/day (2-9 years), 421+2mg/day (10-19 years), 399+21 mg/day (20-49 years), and 383+25mg/day (>50 years) for males, while the corresponding values for females were 207+17 mg/day, 366+19 mg/day, 387+16 mg/day, and 327 +19 mg/day. Calcium intake was less than 80% of the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for Myanmar for ages 2-9 years and 10-29 years in all the study areas, and for the 50 years and above age group in Yangon. Fish paste was found to be the major source of calcium. Milk and milk products contributed very little to total calcium intake, contributing 2.1% for residents in Yangon, 5.1% in Pa-an and none in Bago. Consumption of calciumrich foods, particularly milk and milk products, should be encouraged among the Myanmar people. Towards this end, appropriate nutrition education materials should be developed for promotional purposes.

Aims: Researchers found a wide range of therapeutic properties in Spirulina sp. including as anti-cholesterol or anti-hyperlipidemic agent. In this study, the lipid levels of domestic F. catuswere induced in order to scrutinize the anti-hyperlipidemic effects of local S. platensisLUQS1 strain, specifically at concentrations of 0.5g/day and 1.0 g/day.Methodology and results:Elevation of serum lipid levels viz. total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides (TG) as well as the status of kidney [creatinine (Cr) and blood ureanitrogen (BUN)] were observed in four groups of F. catusfor 45 days. The highest levels for TC, LDL and TG (P<0.05) were recorded in high cholesterol diet group (CD) at day 45 with 291.67±2.87 mg·dL-1, 111.60±9.73 mg·dL-1and 146.33±10.44 mg·dL-1, respectively. HDL levels in Spirulina-treated groups (CA and CAA) were better than normolipidemic group (control, SD group), of which the maximum levels were displayed at day 30 specifically 72.87±6.08 mg·dL-1by cats-fed with high cholesterol diet treated with 0.5 g/day S. platensis LUQS1 (CA group). There were insignificant differences (P>0.05) in the BUN levels; however, the Cr levels in CAA group (day 30 and 45) were slightly out of normal range but did not classify under chronic condition. Conclusion, significance and impact of the study: Alternative treatments on hyperlipidemic cats were rarely reported by researchers and medicinal practitioners. Thus, the findings of this present study provided a genuine knowledge concerning the lipid-lowering effect of S.platensisLUQS1 on the hyperlipidem

There has been significant magnitude of problems of diabetes in Myanmar, according to the estimates of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the recent National Survey on the prevalence of diabetes. There has been a wide gap of equity between the urban and rural healthcare delivery for diabetes. Myanmar Diabetes Care Model (MMDCM) aims to deliver equitable diabetes care throughout the country, to stem the tide of rising burden of diabetes and also to facilitate to achieve the targets of the Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs (2013-2020). It is aimed to deliver standard of care for diabetes through the health system strengthening at all level. MMDCM was developed based on the available health system, resources and the country's need. Implementation for the model was also discussed.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) broadly encompasses vascular diseases caused primarily by atherosclerosis and thromboembolic pathophysiologic processes that alter the normal structure and function of the aorta, its visceral arterial branches, and the arteries of the lower extremity. The aims of the Myanmar clinical practice guidelines for the management of patients with PAD are to assist physicians in selecting the best management strategies for an individual patient with peripheral artery disease with main focus on lower extremity artery disease (LEAD) due to atherosclerosis, to help the physician to make decisions in their daily practice, and to aid in appropriate referrals to specialists. Early detection and treatment guidelines for the treatment of PAD are important to reduce the morbidity and mortality of patients with vascular problems in Myanmar.
Peripheral Arterial Disease ; Practice Guideline ; Myanmar

Objectives: To estimate the frequency of Metabolic Syndrome (MS in Myanmar obese children and to determine the risk factors associated with MS in obese children comparing with normal weight children. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the risk factors for metabolic syndrome between normal and obese children by using the pediatric definition for metabolic syndrome [International Diabetes Federation (IDF), 2007]. Twenty-three obese children (BMI, ≥ 97th percentile) and 23 normal weight children (BMI, < 85th percentile) aged 5-12 years were included in the study. Blood pressure, body weight, height, waist circumference (WC), fasting triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol and glucose concentrations were determined. Results: Based on the IDF pediatric criteria, 9 obese children (39.1%) had metabolic syndrome while no normal weight child had metabolic syndrome. Ten (43.5%) normal weight children and 3 (13.0%) obese children had at least one risk factor for the metabolic syndrome. Central obesity (WC ³ 90th percentile for age and sex), the most common risk factor, was observed in 25 children (54.4% of the total population). Conclusion This study highlights the need for early recognition of risk factors for metabolic syndrome in all children to halt the progression of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in later life.
Metabolic Syndrome ; Risk Factors