Malaria is a life-threatening, preventable, and curable vector borne disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles. The WHO Global Report 2010-2016 reported insecticide resistance in malaria. The main objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of new generation Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) compared to standard LLIN and untreated nets in terms of the mortality rate of adult female Anopheles gambiae. A comprehensive review of the literature was published in three databases (PubMed, Ovid, EBSCO Host) since 2010. Publications were searched with keywords including malaria, long-lasting treated bed net, long lasting insecticide-treated bed net, LLIN, and experimental hut. The search has identified 60 articles. Based on the PRISMA flowchart, 10 articles are qualified for data collection and analysis. The gathered data was analysed using Review Manager. Following meta-analysis between subgroups, a risk difference of 0.31 between standard LLINs versus untreated net (p<0.001, I²=100% 95% CI:0.01,0.60). A comparison of upgraded LLINs with the untreated net has shown a significant difference with a pooled risk difference of 0.54 favours upgraded LLINs (p<0.001, I²=100% 95% CI: 0.54,0.84). Comparison between upgraded LLINs versus standard gave an overall risk difference of 0.24 (p < 0.001, I² = 100%, 95% CI: 0.10–0.39). Upgraded LLINs significantly increase Anophelesmortality compared to standard LLINs and untreated nets, suggesting their potential for improved malaria control. Thus, using upgraded nets in the field and translating them into malaria preventive programs would help achieve the target and improve healthoutcomes for those living in endemic areas.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) carries a significant burden in most world regions. However, its screening uptake remains low. This study aimed to explore awareness and perspectives on CRC screening program in a multiethnic population and their preference for CRC screening decision aid. In-depth interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, translated to English and analysed thematically using hybrid inductive and deductive approaches. 17 informants from three main ethnic groups (Malay, Chinese and Indian) with various levels of risk for developing CRC were recruited. Awareness on CRC screening program was found to be low. Majority of informants never heard of CRC screening program. Among 11 eligible informants, only five experienced CRC screening uptake. Thematic analysis of the transcripts yielded six major themes; knowledge on CRC, screening process, authority’s role, curability, willingness to screening and preference for decision aid, and theywere mapped onto the Health Belief Model. Specific multiethnic perspectives found included preference for traditional medicine coming from all ethnics, and reliance in God coming from Malay informants. Majority preferred short videos as CRC screening decision aid, in the form of animation and live-action screenplay. Exploration of perspective of CRC screening helps in producing impactful decision aids. Future efforts should focus on developing short videos that incorporate population’s perspectives and can be disseminated through electronic media.

Environmental Determinants in Sustaining the Transmission of Lymphatic Filariasis: A Systematic Review IntroductionSince mass drug administration continues in many of the endemic countries, it is vital to synthesise evidence to adapt the challenges contributed by the environments. As such, the aim of this review was to explore relationship between lymphatic filariasis prevalence and potential environmental determinants .MethodsWe searched the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus between Jan 1, 2013, and Dec 31, 2022, for studies fulfilling the following criteria: it was an original article investigating the environmental determinants associated with transmission of lymphatic filariasis; and the study was published in English. The quality assessment tools for observational studies from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute was used to assess the study quality. This systematic review was registered with the PROSPERO database (CRD42023393018).ResultsWe identified 409 potentially eligible published articles, of which 11 met our inclusion criteria. The main environmental determinants associated with lymphatic filariasis transmission were Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), land cover, distance to waterbody, rainfall/precipitation, elevation, slope, day land surface temperature, average annual temperature, house type and distance to stable light. ConclusionsThis review is one of the steps towards understanding the associations between environmental determinantsand transmission of lymphatic filariasis. These results can be used in future evidence-based strategies to strengthen surveillance and control strategies.

Cabaran Dalam Pencegahan dan Kawalan Plasmodium Knowlesi Malaria Di Rantau Asia Tenggara – Ulasan Naratif PengenalanDi sebalik kejayaan program penghapusan malaria manusia, terdapat peningkatan yang membimbangkan berkenaan jangkitan malaria Plasmodium knowlesi (P. knowlesi) di rantau Asia Tenggara. Pemahaman menyeluruh tentang cabaran dalam mencegah dan mengawal malaria zoonosis ini mesti diutarakan, terutamanya apabila menentukan strategi paling berkesan untuk menyekat penularan penyakit.MetodologiDi sebalik kejayaan program penghapusan malaria manusia, terdapat peningkatan yang membimbangkan berkenaan jangkitan malaria Plasmodium knowlesi (P. knowlesi) di rantau Asia Tenggara. Pemahaman menyeluruh tentang cabaran dalam mencegah dan mengawal malaria zoonosis ini mesti diutarakan, terutamanya apabila menentukan strategi paling berkesan untuk menyekat penularan penyakit.Hasil KajianKepelbagaian manusia, seperti sosioekonomi dan sosiobudaya tempatan yang majmuk, persepsi yang rendah dan pematuhan optimum terhadap langkah-langkah pencegahan dan kawalan perlu ditangani. Isu dana nasional, pelaksanaan program, dan birokrasi mesti diselesaikan dalam memastikan keberkesanan peranan kerajaan dan kerjasama pelbagai sektor apabila melibatkan pengurusan penyakit malaria. Kejayaan sesuatu program akan terhalang sekiranya tiada sokongan daripada pemimpin masyarakat dan bertentangan dengan dinamik sosial. Kebolehsuaian nyamuk Anopheles bertanggungjawab terutamanya terhadap cabaran yang dihadapi dalam kawalan vektor. Kesan anjakan ekologi dan perubahan iklim, ditambah dengan aktiviti antropogenik mewujudkan limpahan zoonosis dan variasi penyesuaian yang mengubah landskap transmisi sylvian dan manusia.KesimpulanCabaran daripada pelbagai faktor mengurangkan keberkesanan dalam mencegah penularan penyakit ini. Pendekatan baharu mesti dibangunkan untuk mencapai kawasan terjejas dengan intervensi jangka panjang, komprehensif dan berkesan.

Socio-Ecological Framework on Risk of Prolonged Dengue Outbreak in Seremban District: A Qualitative Study IntroductionA prolonged duration of a dengue outbreak in a locality poses a detrimental risk to the susceptible population. There have been limited studies looking into the socio-ecological factors that can be modified to break the chain of transmission. Therefore, this study aimed to explore and identify the socio-ecological attributes experienced by the health authority in the Seremban district.MethodsA qualitative study was performed using an in-depth interview (IDI) technique based on semi-structured questionnaires. Results were thematically analysed when theoretical saturation was achieved.ResultsA total of 12 respondents participated in this study, representing various backgrounds and involved in dengue control activities. There were nine modifiable socio-ecological themes generated, namely (1) illegal dumpsite, (2) illegal gardens, (3) illegal man-made structures, (4) old unused items, (5) idle damaged vehicles, (6) construction site, (7) drainage system, (8) physical structure, and (9) lack of community engagement. A model framework was conceptualised from the analysis. The health authority identified that these issues require urgent attention and collaborative action by various stakeholders.ConclusionThe identified socio-ecological factors have been a challenge for the health authority. Nevertheless, identifying these attributes signifies the key to tackling the prolonged duration of the dengue outbreak. Ultimately, a multi-agency approach and community participation are vital to ensure a sustainable vector control program.

Gema Ekologi: Meneroka Interaksi Antara Persekitaran Hutan dan Vektor Malaria Pendahuluan Malaria kekal sebagai salah satu cabaran kesihatan awam yang penting di seluruh dunia, dengan kemajuan telah terbantut dalam kebelakangan ini. Memandangkan peningkatan kes malaria terutamanya di beberapa kawasan tropika, pemahaman yang lebih baik tentang hubungan ekologi yang mendasari penularan vektor malaria perlu diberikan fokus. Pendekatan pelbagai disiplin yang melibatkan ekologi, entomologi dan kesihatan awam adalah diperlukanuntuk memahami kaitan antara malaria dan habitat persekitaran. Ulasan ini bertujuan untuk mensintesis penyelidikan sedia ada tentang bagaimana ekosistem hutan mempengaruhi dinamik penularan malaria.MetodologiMenggunakan pangkalandata PubMed, Google Scholar dan Scopus, kajian literatur komprehensif telah dijalankan menggunakan kata kunci tertentu. Artikel yang berkaitan telah dinilai untuk aliran tematik. Secara keseluruhan, 42 artikel telah dipilih untuk naratif ini.Hasil Iklim mikro hutan mempengaruhi kecergasan, tingkah laku, corak aktiviti dan fisiologi organisma. Relung biologiberbeza yang disebabkanoleh suhu, kelembapan, pendedahan cahaya dan kerpasan boleh memberi kesan kepada populasi nyamuk. Ciri-ciri fiziko-biokimia badan air, termasuk suhu, pH, jumlah pepejal terlarut (TDS), kandungan nitrat, dan paras oksigen terlarut, mempunyai kesan yang ketara ke atas banyaknya larva nyamuk anopheline. Kelimpahan vektor mungkin dipengaruhi oleh kehadiran perumah dan pemangsa semulajadi. Interaksi rumit geografi, tumbuh-tumbuhan hutan, kepadatan vektor malaria, dan tingkah laku mempunyai pengaruh besar ke atas dinamik penularan malaria. Penebangan hutan mengubah landskap dan ekosistem serpihan, yang mempunyai kesan besar ke atas habitat larva vektor Plasmodium. Perubahan iklim menimbulkan ancaman besar kepada kelimpahan vektor malaria dan dinamik penghantaran.KesimpulanTerdapat banyak aspek kepada interaksi kompleks antara persekitaran hutan dan penyebaran malaria,memerlukan pengetahuan yang mendalam dan lebih banyak penyiasatan. Kerjasama antara ahli ekologi, entomologi dan pakar kesihatan awam adalah penting dalam menghasilkan model komprehensif yang meramalkan risiko malaria dengan tepat dalam persekitaran yang berubah-ubah

Introduction: Over the past two years, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and tuberculosis (TB) have killed over 5.7 million people globally. TB and COVID-19 continue to be significant public health problems worldwide. A growing body of research supports a link between socio-environmental factors and the transmission of COVID-19 and TB disease. Methods: This review article discussed the socio-environmental factors influencing the transmission, prevention, and control of COVID-19 and Tuberculosis disease. Result: In this review, we highlight similarities and differences between these two infectious diseases and explore the roles of socio-environmental factors (air pollution exposure and climate change) and socioeconomic factors in disease transmission. A comprehensive, integrated TB-COVID-19 management for prevention and disease control, which includes administrative, engineering, environmental control, effective personal protective equipment, and community-based public health activities were discussed. Conclusion Understanding the similarities and differences between these two infectious diseases and the role of socio-environmental factors in disease transmission helps in planning and strengthening an integrated system for disease prevention and control strategies.

Introduction: The term "urban heat island" refers to a phenomenon that occurs when temperatures in urban areas are higher than those in the areas that surround them (suburban area). Methods: The urban heat island phenomenon can result in increase of energy consumption, increase of air pollution, decrease of water quality, and increase of greenhouse gas emissions, all of which have the potential to negatively impact people in a variety of ways. Results: In this review we identified certain groups such as elderly, children, woman, pregnant woman, single person, and minority communities, who are living in dense area or in high rise building, low education level, low income, work in outdoor environment and had pre-existing illnesses may face health issues or insufficient resources to cope with the heat in urban area. There were more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and mortality, particularly during extreme heat events. Conclusions Recognising these vulnerable populations is crucial to develop effective strategies to mitigate the effects of urban heat islands and protect them. This can aid policy makers and urban planners to implement targeted interventions to address these issues. Keywords Urban heat island – UHI – Vulnerable population – Heat exposure

Introduction: Taxing sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) is one of many other best strategies to reduce consumption of SSB among populations. It is known that SSB consumption is the main contributor which cause obesity and further lead to non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to gather the evidence on the effectiveness of sugar-sweetened beverages tax implementation, in terms of health outcome and healthcare cost benefit. Methods: A systematic review was done related to literature that reported about effectiveness of sugar-sweetened beverages tax implementation, in terms of health outcome and healthcare cost benefit. Four databases were used to identify the literature, namely PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus and Ovid and Medline. PRISMA flow checklist was used as a guide to search for the eligible articles. Results: In total, there were sixteen eligible articles included in this systematic review. All studies are simulation studies. Results showed that both excise and ad valorem tax are effective to reduce healthcare costs and could avert diseases related to high sugar intake. Other than that, it is proven that implementing tax will gain favorable health outcome rather than do nothing. Better results seen when the tax is increased. Conclusion As a conclusion, SSB tax is proven as an effective public health intervention in terms of giving benefit to the health outcome and healthcare cost

Introduction: Malaysia has been considered an industrialized country and there is a demand for manpower in low-skilled jobs which usually filled by migrant workers. Therefore, this study focused to identify the level of alcohol consumption and its associated factors among Nepali migrant workers in Shah Alam, Selangor. Methods: A cross-sectional study using a convenient sampling method was conducted among 233 Nepali migrant workers in Shah Alam, Selangor using a selfadministered questionnaire. A validated questionnaire (The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test) by WHO was used in the study. Results: The results showed that 60.09% of Nepali workers consumed alcohol with most of them are in low (31.43%) and medium (29.28%) risk level for alcohol consumption. The empirical findings revealed a significant association between income, education level, and peer pressure with alcohol consumption (p value <0.001 respectively). However, the study found no association between age, marital status, years of working, and body mass index with alcohol consumption (p value= 0.44, 0.19, 0.42, 0.40 respectively). Conclusion In conclusion, most Nepali migrant workers consumed alcohol but in low and medium risk severity. The results highlighted socio-demographic factors such as income and education as well as peer pressure among the important factors affecting alcohol consumption. Thus, it is important to address this issue by creating awareness by conducting health talk and campaign. This can give a clear idea to migrant workers on the health effect of alcohol consumption. More education and promotion are needed to address the health effect of excessive alcohol consumption and work productivity among migrant workers in their own language.