World Health Organization South-East Asia Region Research Articles

Strengthening of Vaccine-Preventable Disease (VPD) Surveillance to Enhance National Health Capacity and Security: Perspective from India.

The Government of India, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), established the National Polio Surveillance Project (NPSP) in 1997 and initiated acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance to achieve the goal of polio eradication. The WHO South-East Asia Region, comprising of 11 countries, including India, was certified as polio-free in March 2014. India was also validated to have eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus in May 2015. Over the years, the surveillance of other vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) was integrated with AFP surveillance in the country. Outbreak-based measles-rubella (MR) surveillance was initiated in 2005 using AFP surveillance as a platform, case-based fever-rash (FR) surveillance started in 2021 as one of the strategies to achieve measles and rubella elimination in the country. The surveillance of diphtheria, pertussis, and neonatal tetanus was integrated with AFP surveillance in a phased manner during 2015-2022. The surveillance system for VPDs in India, supported by a laboratory network of 10 polio laboratories, 28 measles-rubella laboratories, and 20 diphtheria-pertussis laboratories, has enhanced the national health capacity and security. The setting up and expansion of the surveillance system in the country involved the important component of capacity building of personnel on various components of surveillance, including case identification, case investigation, sample collection and shipment, data analysis and public health response. These capacities have been used effectively during other emergencies, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, as well as during outbreaks of other diseases and natural calamities.

Systematic review of bovine and zoonotic tuberculosis in the Western Pacific and the Southeast Asia regions of the World Health Organization.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. We conducted this systematic review to understand the distribution of bovine and zoonotic tuberculosis in the World Health Organization (WHO)'s Southeast Asia Region (SEAR) and Western Pacific Region (WPR) to inform our understanding of the risk posed by this disease. A two-pronged strategy was used by evaluating data from peer-reviewed literature and official reports. A systematic search was conducted using a structured query in four databases (Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, and PubMed) to identify any reports of the occurrence of zoonotic TB. No language and time constraints were used during the search, but non-English language articles were later excluded. The official data were sourced from the World Organization for Animal Health's (WOAH) World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) and WHO's global TB database. The retrieved records from SEAR and WPR (n = 113) were screened for eligibility, and data about disease occurrence were extracted and tabulated. In SEAR, all of the five studies that conducted Mycobacterium speciation (5/6) in humans were from India, and the reported Mycobacterium species included M. tuberculosis, M. bovis, M. scrofulacium, M. kansasii, M. phlei, M. smegmatis and M. orygis. In WPR, Mycobacterium speciation investigations in humans were conducted in Australia (8), China (2), Japan (2), NewZealand (2) and Malaysia (1), and the reported Mycobacterium species included M. bovis, M. africanum and M. tuberculosis. Seven countries in WHO's SEAR have officially reported the occurrence of Mycobacterium bovis in their animals: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. In WPR, the WAHIS information system includes reports of the identification of M. bovis from 11 countries - China, Fiji, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Tonga and Viet Nam. In contrast, human zoonotic TB cases in the WHO database were only listed from Australia, Brunei Darussalam and Palau countries. The available data suggests under-reporting of zoonotic TB in the regions. Efforts are required to strengthen zoonotic TB surveillance systems from both animal and human health sides to better understand the impact of zoonotic TB in order to take appropriate action to achieve the goal of ending the TB epidemic.

Essential programme on immunization in WHO South-East Asia: A five-decade journey of saving millions of lives & ending diseases.

Vaccination is one of the most successful and cost-effective interventions designed by science which has helped in preventing millions of deaths, especially in children. The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) was established by World Health Organization (WHO) in 1974 to develop immunization programmes throughout the world with polio, measles, diphtheria, tetanus, tuberculosis and whooping cough. The WHO South-East Asia Region (SEAR) has a disproportionately high burden of infectious diseases and has greatly benefitted from the EPI as compared to other regions with more than 90 per cent of the population having access to vaccines. The story of vaccines in South-East Asia is a testament to scientific progress, global collaboration, and unwavering commitment to public health. This article aims to discuss the journey of EPI in the WHO SEAR.

Non-structural protein 1 and hematology parameters as predictors of dengue virus infection severity in Indonesia.

Dengue virus infection (DVI) remains a significant health challenge, and diagnosis must still be considered. Non-structural protein 1 (NS1) is a potential marker of the dengue virus that can help diagnose DVI. The study aimed to assess the role of NS1 as a predictor of the severity of DVI. We utilized Dengue PCR-confirmed samples and employed semi-quantitative NS1Ag ELISA for NS1 examination, adhering to the World Health Organization South-East Asia Region (WHO-SEARO) 2011 criteria for DVI. We included DVI patients from Indonesia aged 1-65 years. Secondary infections had more severe clinical conditions than primary infections. Leukocyte and platelet levels had a more significant effect on NS1 positivity (6.19 (1.9-30.2); p<0.001; 190 (11-417); p=0.015; respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed leukocytes as a more significant predictor of NS1 values than platelets, with an odds ratio of 5.38 contributing to 30.5% of the NS1 value variation. The NS1 value could distinguish undifferentiated fever and dengue fever in the children group with a sensitivity of 76.0% and specificity of 87.5% (p=0.015). The number of NS1(-) in the severe dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) group was higher than NS1(+). DENV-4 type and primary infection were dominant in this study, although they did not significantly differ from the NS1 value. NS1 value can be used as a predictor to determine the severity of DVI in children but not in the adult group. The levels of leukocytes and platelets influenced the NS1 value.

Re-emergence of Ebola virus disease in Uganda: Should Southeast Asia countries be worried?

An outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) (Sudan virus) was first reported in the Republic of Uganda on September 20, 2022. As of November 17, 2022, 151 confirmed cases have been reported, including 55 deaths (with a case fatality rate among confirmed cases of 39%).During the EVD outbreak in 2013–2016, international travel played a significant role in the spread of the disease across national borders. During that time, several tasks requiring improvement were identified in the World Health Organization (WHO) Southeast Asia Region (SEAR), including inadequate risk communication and risk assessment, data management gaps for surveillance purposes, inadequate capacity in molecular diagnostic techniques, lack of adequate planning for a surge of cases, and inadequate isolation rooms.It is therefore recommended that all countries of the WHO SEAR revisit their level of Ebola preparedness and address existing gaps. The emergence and rapid global spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have reiterated that the world has become a global village. This was confirmed by the spread of the monkeypox virus with cases reported in the WHO SEAR. Therefore, given the weak health infrastructure in the region, complacency could wreak havoc on the healthcare system if another epidemic emerges without an adequate level of preparedness.

Mental health promotion for elderly populations in World Health Organization South-East Asia Region: Needs and resource gaps.

The accelerated population growth of the elderly (individuals aged 60 years or more) across the globe has many indications, including changes in demography, health, the psycho-social milieu, and economic security. This transition has given rise to varied challenges; significant changes have been observed in regard to developing strategies for health care systems across the globe. The World Health Organization (WHO) is also engaging in initiatives and mediating processes. Furthermore, advocacy is being conducted regarding a shift toward the salutogenic model from the pathogenic model. The concept behind this move was to shift from disablement to enablement and from illness to wellness, with the notion of mental health promotion (MHP) being promoted. This article attempts to discuss the MHP of elderly individuals, with special reference to the need to disseminate knowledge and awareness in the community by utilizing the resources of the health sector available in the WHO South-East Asia Region countries. We have tried to present the current knowledge gap by exploring the existing infrastructure, human resources, and financial resources. There is much to do to promote the mental health of the elderly, but inadequate facilities are available. Based on available resources, a roadmap for MHP in elderly individuals is discussed.

Audits of Antimicrobial Usage in a Tertiary Care Center in Hyderabad.

BackgroundIrrational prescriptions have an ill effect on health as well as on healthcare expenditure. Prescription auditing is an important tool to improve the quality of prescriptions, which in turn improves the quality of health care provided. Regular and timely audits of antibiotic prescriptions can prevent irrational antibiotic usage.IntroductionThe inappropriate use of drugs is a global health problem, especially in developing countries like India. In 2015, during the 68th World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Southeast Asia, all Member States of the region, including India, endorsed the “Regional Strategy for Patient Safety in the WHO Southeast Asia Region (2016-2025)” aiming to support the development of national quality of care and patient safety strategies, policies, and plans and commit to translating those objectives of the Regional Strategy into actionable strategies at country level.MethodologyA retrospective observational study was conducted in a 330-bedded, National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH)-accredited tertiary healthcare center. The study period was six months, from January 2019 to June 2019.ResultsNinety-five point four-five percent (95.45%) of the doctors attended the sensitization program and all accepted following the standard prescribing protocols. Sixty-nine point seven percent (69.7%) of the doctors were aware of the availability of drugs in the hospital pharmacy stores. Seventy-four point two-four percent (74.24%) of the doctors were aware of the ongoing prescription audits. Seventy-two point two-seven percent (72.27%) of the treating doctors were of the opinion of selecting the appropriate antibiotics based on hospital antibiogram. The importance of antibiograms from cultures and environmental surveillance was followed well only after sensitizing all the treating doctors. Ninety-five point four-five percent (95.45%) of the doctors were of the opinion of taking the permission of a higher authority to start high-end antibiotics. Seventy-seven point one-zero percent (77.10%) doctors recommended sample collection prior to antibiotic administration. Sixty-three percent (63%) of the patient’s clinical condition improved with the antibiotics prescribed prior to the culture report.ConclusionBy judicious use of antibiotics, we can reduce the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria and extend the useful life of antibiotics that are still effective. Antibiotic use patterns must be studied to address complications resulting from a large number of antibiotics.

Development of Diabetic retinopathy screening guidelines in South-East Asia region using the context, challenges, and future technology

ABSTRACT Objective To formulate guidelines for screening of diabetic retinopathy (DR) for the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region (SEAR) aligned with the current infrastructure and human resources for health (HRH). Design A consultative group discussion of technical experts of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) from SEAR. Participants IAPB country chairs and DR technical experts from SEAR countries. Methods Data related to DR in SEAR was collected from published literature on available DM and DR guidelines and the participating experts. The 10 SEAR countries (the Democratic Republic of Korea was not included for lack of sufficient data) were divided into 3 resource levels (low, medium, and high) based on gross national income/per capita, cataract service indicators (cataract surgical rate and cataract surgical service), current infrastructure and available HRH. Two countries each were assigned to low (Myanmar, Timor-Leste) and high resource (India, Thailand) levels, and the remaining 6 countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka) were assigned the medium resource level. The DR care system was divided into 3 levels of care (essential, recommended, and desirable) and 3 levels of service delivery (primary, secondary, and tertiary). Main outcome measures Primary, secondary, and tertiary level guidelines for screening of DR Results Nine WHO SEAR countries participated in the formulation of the new country-specific DR screening guidelines. The DR screening recommendations were: advocacy at the community level, visual acuity measurement, and non-mydriatic fundus photography at the primary level, comprehensive eye examination and retinal laser at the secondary level, and intravitreal therapy and vitrectomy at the tertiary level. The systemic care of DM and hypertension are recommended at all levels commiserating with their care capabilities. Conclusions The DR guidelines for the SEAR region are the first region-specific and resource-aligned recommendations for comprehensive DR care in each country of the region. In the future, the new technological advances in retinal camera technology, teleophthalmology, and artificial intelligence should be included within the structure of the public DR care system.

Control of sexually transmitted infections and global elimination targets, South-East Asia Region

The World Health Organization (WHO) set targets for a 90% reduction in the incidence of syphilis and gonorrhoea between 2018 and 2030. We review trends in sexually transmitted infections in the WHO South-East Asia Region to assess the feasibility of reaching these targets. Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand reported 90% or greater reductions in the incidence or prevalence of syphilis and/or gonorrhoea between 1975 and 2005. Evidence suggests that smaller, more recent reductions in trends in sexually transmitted infections in India have driven regional declines. In other countries, sexually transmitted infections remain high or are increasing or data are not reliable enough to measure change. Sri Lanka and Thailand have strong control programmes for sexually transmitted infections that ensure universal access to services for these infections and targeted interventions in key populations. India and Myanmar have implemented targeted control efforts on a large scale. Other countries of the region have prioritized control of human immunodeficiency virus, and limited resources are available for other sexually transmitted infections. At national and subnational levels, data show rapid declines in sexually transmitted infections when targeted promotion of condom use and sexually transmitted infection services are scaled up to reach large numbers of sex workers. In contrast, recent outbreaks of sexually transmitted infections in underserved populations of men who have sex with men have been linked to rising trends in sexually transmitted infections in the region. A renewed and focused response to sexually transmitted infections in the region is needed to meet global elimination targets.

Capacity building for universal eye health coverage in South East Asia beyond 2020.

The World Report on Vision suggests that universal eye health coverage (UEHC) can be achieved through an integrated people-centered eye care (IPCEC) delivery. This study provides an estimation of capacity building of facilities and workforce to attain UEHC through IPCEC in South East Asia (SEA) beyond 2020. The data sources on the magnitude of blindness and visual impairment in the SEA region included reports of the Vision Loss Expert Group, most recent population-based studies from the member states and unpublished data from the study teams. The model is based on the estimated or projected population of the member states in 2020 and 2030. Data from the ten member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) SEA show that the magnitude of blindness and moderate to severe visual impairment (MSVI) has decreased between 1990 and 2015, but still higher than global average. Cataract and uncorrected refractive errors were the common causes of blindness and MSVI, respectively. The estimated WHO SEA region share of world population is likely to increase from 38.39% in 2020 to 44.32% in 2030, and so also will be the visually impaired people. By adopting the IPCEC the WHO SEA countries would require at least 429,802 community workers, 164,784 allied ophthalmic personnel and 10,744 ophthalmologists in the public facilities in 2030. In order to attain UEHC and use the IPCEC model, each country in the region should invest substantially more in structured eye care delivery and workforce.

Why do many basic packages of health services stay on the shelf? A look at potential reasons in the WHO South-East Asia Region.

Basic packages of health services (BPHSs) are often envisaged primarily as political statements of intent to provide access to care, in an era of commitment to universal health coverage. They are often produced with little attention paid to health systems' capacity to deliver these benefit packages or other implementation challenges. Many countries of the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region have invested in developing BPHSs. This perspective paper reflects on the issues that do not receive enough attention when packages are developed, which can often jeopardize their implementation. Countries of the region refer to burden-of-disease assessments and consider the cost-effectiveness of the listed interventions during their BPHS design processes. Some also conduct a costing study to generate "price tags" that are used for resource mobilization. However, important implementation challenges such as weak supply-side readiness, limited scope for reallocation of existing resources and management not geared for accountability are too often ignored. Implementation and its monitoring is further hampered by the limitations of existing health information systems, which are often not ready to collect and analyse data on emerging interventions such as noncommunicable disease management. Among the countries of the WHO South-East Asia Region, those with better chances of executing their BPHSs have adapted their packages to their implementation, financing and monitoring capacities, and have considered the need for a modified service delivery model able to provide the agreed services.

Mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on progress towards ending tuberculosis in the WHO South-East Asia Region

Almost half of the deaths worldwide caused by tuberculosis in 2018 occurred in the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region, home to around a quarter of the global population. Maintaining robust progress in this region is therefore essential if the global goal of ending the tuberculosis epidemic is to be realized. Substantial gains have been made in the region, but the threat to health worldwide posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic includes not only the direct effects of the pandemic but also the potential eclipsing of the global tuberculosis emergency. The results of modelling studies present stark warnings of a reversal of years of progress and a significant resurgence in deaths from tuberculosis. The COVID-19 pandemic has had variable impacts in the WHO South-East Asia Region to date, but in the countries most affected there has been targeted diversion and repurposing of tuberculosis services, health-care workers and diagnostic equipment. The combined effects of COVID-19, containment measures and fragmentation of tuberculosis services have resulted in delays in diagnosis or non-diagnosis and disruption in treatment resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, transmission and drug resistance. Countries of the region have made attempts to ensure continuity of services and civil society and nongovernmental organizations have instituted a range of innovative mechanisms to support national programmes. However, a comprehensive approach - including scaling up successful initiatives, empowering community leadership, harnessing digital tools, and implementing easily accessible cash transfers and nutrition support - will be critical to success. As COVID-19 recedes, countries will need "catch-up plans" to deploy supplementary measures to address the increased tuberculosis burden. Urgent, targeted and agile responses have the potential to mitigate and reverse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tuberculosis in South-East Asia.

Seasonal influenza surveillance (2009-2017) for pandemic preparedness in the WHO South-East Asia Region.

Influenza causes seasonal outbreaks each year and periodically causes a pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) has contributed to global understanding of influenza patterns, but limited regional analysis has occurred. This study describes the virological patterns and influenza surveillance systems in the 11 countries of the WHO South-East Asia Region. Virological data were extracted in January 2018 from FluNet, GISRS's web-based reporting tool, for 10 of the 11 countries that had data available for the years 2009 to 2017. Descriptive data for 2017 on influenza surveillance systems, including the number of sentinel sites, case definitions and reporting frequency, were collected through an annual questionnaire. Data on surveillance systems were available for all 11 Member States, and 10 countries reported virological data to FluNet between 2009 and 2017. Influenza surveillance in the region and national participation increased over the 8 years. Seasons varied between countries, with some experiencing two peak seasons and others having one main predominant season. Bangladesh, Indonesia and Myanmar have only one season: Bangladesh and Myanmar have a mid-year pattern and Indonesia an end-year pattern. Influenza A was the predominant circulating type for all years except 2012 and 2016, when A and B co-circulated. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was dominant in 2009 and 2010 (77% and 76%, respectively), 2015 (72%) and 2017 (54%); influenza A(H3) accounted for approximately half of the positive specimens in 2011 (46%), 2013 (51%) and 2014 (47%); and influenza B (lineage not determined) made up over 49% of positive specimens in 2012. Although the timings of peaks varied from country to country, the viruses circulating within the region were similar. Influenza surveillance remains a challenge in the region. However, timely reporting and regional sharing of information about influenza may help countries that have later peaks to allow them to prepare for the potential severity and burden associated with prevailing strains.

Building operational readiness for responding to emergencies in the WHO South-East Asia Region

The World Health Organization (WHO) has an essential role to play in supporting Member States to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies with public health consequences. Operational readiness for known and unknown hazards and emergencies requires a risk-informed and structured approach to building capacities within organizations such as WHO offices and national ministries of health. Under the flagship priority programme on emergency risk management of the WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia, a readiness training programme consisting of four modules was implemented during 2017-2018, involving staff from WHO country offices as well as from the regional office. The experience of and lessons learnt from designing, developing and delivering this phased training programme have fed into improvements in the curriculum and training methodology. The training programme has also facilitated the development of business continuity plans and contingency plans in some of the 11 Member States of the region and has increased the readiness of WHO staff for swift deployment in recent emergencies. It is recommended that the strengthening of operational readiness for responding to emergencies in the region be sustained and accelerated through the development of a regional training consortium that can scale the training programme up at national level, taking into account country contexts, national health systems and the needs of populations. The resilience of the populations and health systems in the region will be increased if disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness and response activities are supported by operational readiness.

Strengthening emergency preparedness through the WHO emergency medical team mentorship and verification process: experience from Thailand.

The World Health Organization (WHO) emergency medical team (EMT) mentorship and verification process is an important mechanism for providing quality assurance for EMTs that are deployed internationally during medical emergencies. To be recommended for classification, an organization must demonstrate compliance with guiding principles and core standards for international EMTs and all technical standards for their declared type, in accordance with a set of globally agreed minimum standards. A rigorous peer review of a comprehensive documentary evidence package, combined with a 2-day verification site visit by WHO and independent experts, is conducted to assess an EMT's capacity. Key requirements include having sufficient systems, equipment and procedures in place to ensure an EMT can deploy rapidly, providing clinical care according to internationally accepted standards, being able to be fully self-sufficient for a period of 14 days and being able to fully integrate into the emergency response coordination structure and the health system of the country affected during deployment. Through the WHO mentorship programme, each EMT is provided with a mentor team, which guides and supports it during the preparatory process. The process typically takes around 1 to 2 years to complete. The Thailand EMT is the first team from the WHO South-East Asia Region to successfully complete the WHO mentorship and verification process. The experience of this process in Thailand can serve as an example for other countries in the South-East Asia Region and encourage them to strengthen their emergency preparedness and operational readiness by getting their national EMTs verified.

Pandemic influenza preparedness in the WHO South-East Asia Region: a model for planning regional preparedness for other priority high-threat pathogens

Pandemic influenza preparedness has contributed significantly to building, strengthening and maintaining countries' core capacities to prepare for health emergencies. The Pandemic influenza preparedness framework for the sharing of influenza viruses and access to vaccines and other benefits (the PIP framework) was adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2011. The experiences and lessons learnt from the implementation of the PIP framework have provided insights that can be used to strengthen preparedness for epidemics of other priority high-threat pathogens in the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region in line with obligations under the International Health Regulations, 2005 (IHR). Implementation has established policies, strategies, action plans, strengthened systems and operational readiness to promptly diagnose influenza virus strains with pandemic potential and ensure timely event notifications and management in compliance with the IHR. WHO collaborating centres and the annual bi-regional meeting of national influenza centres and influenza surveillance have strengthened the influenza laboratory diagnostic knowledge network in the region. After action reviews following influenza outbreaks have documented best practices, strengths, constraints and areas for improvement in pandemic preparedness. The pandemic in 2009 and recent seasonal influenza outbreaks have offered real-life scenarios for testing national pandemic influenza preparedness plans and deploying vaccines. The successful implementation of the PIP framework, along with strengthening of health systems and operational procedures and continued technical collaboration with global centres of excellence, should be tapped into to strengthen preparedness to respond to epidemics of other high-threat pathogens based on the influenza model. The political commitment reflected in the Delhi Declaration on Emergency Preparedness, signed by all ministers of health in September 2019 and supported by the Five-year regional strategic plan to strengthen public health preparedness and response - 2019-2023, should be a catalyst for guidance and support in developing a broad, long-term strategic plan for preparedness and response to high-threat pathogens in the region.

Prevalence and Correlates of Current Alcohol Use among Bhutanese Adults: A Nationally Representative Survey Data Analysis.

Background:Alcohol-related ailments are among the 10 leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Bhutan. The objectives of this article were to determine the prevalence and explore the correlates of current alcohol use among Bhutanese adults.Materials and Methods:This is a retrospective study of secondary data from the National Health Survey 2012 of Bhutan. The outcome variable of interest was current alcohol use. The questionnaire was developed following the World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise approach to Surveillance (STEPS) of noncommunicable diseases. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the correlates of current alcohol use. The prevalence of current alcohol use was 30.9%. The correlates of current alcohol use were male sex [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.85; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.47–2.36], widowhood (AOR = 2.92, 95% CI, 1.22–6.99), and chewing betel quid >20 times per week (AOR = 2.07, 95% CI, 1.08–4.03). Primary (AOR = 0.67, 95% CI, 0.50–0.91), high (AOR = 0.52, 95% CI, 0.38–0.71), and university (AOR = 0.46, 95% CI, 0.29–0.73) educated participants were less likely to be current alcohol users when compared with those who had no education. Compared with unskilled workers, services and sales workers were less likely to use alcohol regularly (AOR = 0.64, 95% CI, 0.49–0.82). Homemade alcohol Ara was the most common drink.Conclusion:The national prevalence of current alcohol use in Bhutan is higher than the national average in the WHO South-East Asia Region. Prevention should target the correlates and limit the availability of locally home-brewed Ara.

Digital possibilities in the prevention and early detection of oral cancer in the WHO South-East Asia Region.

Cancers of the lip and oral cavity are the most common cancers among men in the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region. Most cancers of the oral cavity are attributable to tobacco smoking, smokeless tobacco use and areca-nut product use, alone or in combination, and excessive consumption of alcohol. These risk factors are highly prevalent in parts of the region. This paper outlines an integrated framework for oral cancer prevention, which includes a strengthened primary health-care workforce, enhanced community engagement and a positive policy environment. Operationalizing this framework could be greatly facilitated by the application of digital technologies. Robust evidence exists for the effectiveness of using appropriately trained primary health-care workers to screen for oral cancer by oral visual examination; this can be combined with counselling for riskbehaviour modification as part of an overall strategy on noncommunicable diseases. This needs to be supported by greater overall community engagement, for example to tackle low levels of awareness of the harmful effects of smokeless tobacco and areca-nut products. A strong policy environment that supports and promotes these efforts is essential, along with the enforcement of the measures required by the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Despite the burden of disease, oral cancer has been a neglected area of public health. This paper considers how the positively disruptive effects of digital technology may enable much-needed acceleration in prevention and control efforts.

Essential cancer medicines in the national lists of countries of the WHO South-East Asia Region: a descriptive assessment.

In 2015, the need for equitable access to cancer treatments in low- and middle income countries was underscored by the addition of 16 essential cancer medicines to the 19th World Health Organization (WHO) model list of essential medicines (WHO EML). This study assessed the degree to which this expanded WHO EML from 2015 has influenced inclusion of cancer medicines in the most recent national essential medicines lists of the countries of the WHO South-East Asia Region. The inclusion of a selected list of 38 essential cancer medicines in the 2015 WHO EML was assessed in the most recent national lists of essential medicines from the 11 countries of the WHO South-East Asia Region. Additionally, the availability of six essential cancer medicines common to the national lists of essential medicines from six countries of the WHO South-East Asia Region was explored. Of the 38 selected essential cancer medicines included in the 19th WHO EML, a mean of 18.0 (range 2-33) were included in the national lists of countries of the WHO South-East Asia Region. Of the 25 essential cancer medicines included in the WHO EML prior to the 19th revision, a mean of 14.6 (range 2-21) were included in national lists; notably fewer of the 13 cancer medicines added in the 2015 revision were included: mean 3.4 (range 0-12). Compared with the WHO EML, there is a lag in the inclusion of essential cancer medicines in national lists of essential medicines in the WHO South-East Asia Region. Alignment of essential cancer medicines in national lists of essential medicines among the 11 countries in the region varies significantly. These differences may hinder regional strategies to improve access to essential cancer medicines, such as pooled procurement of selected high-cost medicines. The link between the availability and affordability of essential cancer medicines warrants further investigation, in the context of access to medicines for universal health coverage.

Approaches to improving access to essential cancer medicines in the WHO South-East Asia Region.

The high cancer burden in the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region represents not only a significant cause of death, disability and suffering but also a major threat to development. In 2015, the need for equitable access to cancer treatments was underscored by the addition of 16 cancer drugs to the 19th WHO model list of essential medicines, including three high-cost medicines. This paper explores strategies to improve access, including - but not limited to - managing costs through regional cooperation; coordinated procurement mechanisms; price controls; differential pricing; and licensing agreements. The composition of the region, with small and large pharmaceutical markets with a range of manufacturing capacities and supply-chain issues, offers a unique frame of comparison and consideration for access issues. Different approaches are needed that are tailored to specific country situations. However, in the absence of global collaborative funding mechanisms, the region can advocate now, with one voice, for regional action to improve the affordability and availability of essential cancer medicines and align national cancer-control strategies to leverage regional strengths. Delays will lead to more premature cancer deaths and more households in the WHO South-East Asia Region being impoverished through out-of-pocket payments for cancer medicines.