Cambodia
1. Recent trends of non-communicable diseases in Cambodia: a narrative review of challenges, risk factors, and public health strategies (2026)
The article provides a detailed analysis of how Cambodia's noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for 46% of deaths in 2000 to 64% in 2020. It points out that despite remarkable progress in maternal and child health (a significant decrease in neonatal mortality), cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer have become new leading causes of death. The article specifically discusses the structural challenges of transitioning the health system from a "curing infectious diseases-centered" to a "preventing chronic diseases-centered" approach.
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2. Self-care and health seeking for diabetes and hypertension in Cambodia (2025)
This study, employing qualitative methods, delves into the real choices Cambodians make when facing chronic diseases. The research reveals that even with medical assistance (such as the HEF fund), many patients still tend to seek informal medical care (such as village therapists or private pharmacies) due to drug shortages and long waiting times at public primary hospitals. This has significant academic value for studying medical pluralism in Southeast Asia and how to build patient trust.
Oxford Academic - Health Policy and Planning
3. Enhancing Healthcare Services Quality in a Resource–Limited Country: Perspectives From Cambodia (2026)
This article focuses on "quality" rather than just "coverage." It compares Cambodia's UHC service coverage index with other ASEAN countries, pointing out that while Cambodia has made breakthroughs in accessibility, the consistency of healthcare service quality remains a weakness. The authors propose innovative pathways to bridge the gap in primary healthcare quality by utilizing digital health technologies, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and decentralization reforms.
4. Coverage of Maternal Health Checks Before Discharge in Cambodia (2026)
This study is based on a secondary analysis of the 2021-22 Cambodia Population Health Survey (CDHS). Although Cambodia's institutional delivery rate has reached a high of 93.9%, this paper rigorously points out that "giving birth in a hospital" does not equate to "receiving standardized care." The study analyzed the implementation of health assessments before discharge after delivery, providing data support for precisely improving maternal and infant health interventions.
5. Community Participatory Approach to Design, Test, and Implement Interventions That Reduce Risk of Bat-Borne Disease Spillover: A Case Study from Cambodia (2026)
In the post-pandemic era, Cambodia has garnered significant attention as a high-risk area for zoonotic diseases. This study demonstrates how tools such as outcome mapping and practice improvement trials can be used to build health safeguards in rural communities that collect bat guano fertilizer. It is not only a biosafety paper but also a classic case study on how social behavior can intervene in public health.
6. Moving towards universal health coverage: lessons from 15 years of health financing reform in Cambodia (2019)
This paper summarizes how Cambodia has gradually reduced catastrophic health expenditures for its impoverished population over the past 15 years through the Health Equity Fund (HEF) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). It is a key reference for scholars seeking to understand how low-income countries design their healthcare financial structures.
7. Effect of a maternal and child health handbook on maternal knowledge and behaviour: a community-based controlled trial in rural Cambodia (2015/2016)
This study, through a quasi-experimental design, demonstrated the significant role of an integrated "maternal and infant handbook" in increasing prenatal screening participation and identifying warning signs. This research directly influenced the design of national-level maternal and child health policy tools in Cambodia.
8. Epidemiology and factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Cambodia (2021)
Tuberculosis has long been a major public health threat in Cambodia. This study analyzes the epidemiological characteristics of drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Cambodia, identifying high-risk clusters using geospatial analysis. It reveals the spread of drug resistance due to labor mobility and treatment adherence, representing important research in the field of infectious diseases.
9. The path to malaria elimination in Cambodia: progress and remaining challenges (2020)
Cambodia is at the forefront of the global fight against artemisinin-resistant malaria. This article reviews how Cambodia is striving to eliminate falciparum malaria by 2025 amidst complex population mobility by strengthening community surveillance and targeted interventions, and explores the global public health significance of drug resistance surveillance. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(20)30310-X/fulltext
10. The evolution of mental health policy and services in Cambodia (2018)
Given Cambodia's unique historical context, mental health is an indispensable part of its public health system. This article analyzes how Cambodia built a national mental health framework from scratch under extremely limited resources and discusses the impact of historical trauma on current public health interventions.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13033-018-0230-0
Myanmar
1. Pathways to universal health coverage in Myanmar: a systemic review of health financing reforms
This review provides a detailed analysis of Myanmar's ambitious UHC program, launched in the mid-2010s. The article points out that although Myanmar attempted to reduce residents' out-of-pocket expenses by increasing government health budgets and introducing the Basic Health Service Package (BHSMP), progress has been slow due to weak public health infrastructure and a single payment mechanism. The literature focuses on how to integrate social security funds into a highly fragmented health system, which is a cornerstone for understanding Myanmar's health policy transformation.
2. Understanding Barriers and Facilitators of Maternal Health Care Utilization in Central Myanmar (2020)
This study, based on empirical research in the Mandalay region, reveals significant urban-rural disparities in the utilization of maternal and child health services in Myanmar. The article points out that despite improvements in institutional delivery rates, rural women remain extremely disadvantaged in postpartum care (PNC) due to transportation costs, traditional beliefs, and a lack of hygiene literacy. The study highlights the crucial role of skilled midwives in communities and calls for the establishment of a more culturally inclusive primary healthcare system.
Understanding Barriers and Facilitators of Maternal Health Care Utilization in Central Myanmar
3. The collapse of the public health system in Myanmar post-2021: a humanitarian crisis (2023)
This paper documents the massive CDM (Constant Disturbances) at Myanmar's public hospitals following February 2021 and its devastating impact on public health. The article uses data to illustrate the disruptions to routine immunizations, tuberculosis, and HIV treatment. The authors explore how non-state actors, such as NGOs and border clinics, maintain essential healthcare services within a parallel system, making it a classic case study of health resilience in conflict zones. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lansea/article/PIIS2772-3682(23)00034-X/fulltext
4. Prevalence and molecular epidemiology of carbapenem resistance in Myanmar and Southeast Asia (2024/2025)
In response to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance (AMR), this systematic review analyzed the distribution of resistance genes in clinical isolates from Myanmar. The literature indicates that Myanmar faces an extremely high risk of superbugs due to inadequate prescription management and the widespread availability of antibiotics. This technical literature underscores the urgency of strengthening laboratory surveillance and a nationwide AMR action plan.
5. Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs among adolescents in Myanmar (2023)
The combined effects of conflict, poverty, and the pandemic have led to a surge in mental health problems among Myanmar's youth. This article documents the high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders through a survey of displaced persons (IDP) camps. The study calls for integrating mental health services into schools and community centers, rather than limiting them to psychiatric hospitals.
gh.bmj.com/content/8/2/e010542
Laos
1. Lao People's Democratic Republic: a primary health care case study in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic (2023)
This comprehensive case study, published by the World Health Organization (WHO), provides a detailed assessment of the evolution of primary health care (PHC) in Laos. The study indicates that Laos' UHC coverage index jumped from 26.0 in 2000 to 50.0 in 2020. The article focuses on how the pandemic served as a litmus test for the resilience of the health system and analyzes how Laos maintained core health services with limited resources by strengthening community participation and networks of health volunteers.
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2. Assessing maternal and newborn health readiness: Insights from a service availability assessment in five provinces in Laos (2025)
Although Laos' maternal mortality rate (MMR) has decreased by approximately 80% since 2000, it remains among the highest in Southeast Asia. This latest empirical study, investigating 212 health centers and 20 regional hospitals, found significant geographical inequalities in the availability of medicines and equipment for Basic Emergency Maternal Care (BEmONC) despite broad coverage of basic services. This literature is significant for understanding the gap between the quality and quantity of healthcare in Laos.
3. Lao PDR Budget Execution in Health: From Bottlenecks to Solutions (2025)
Health financing is a core challenge for Laos in achieving UHC (Universal Health Care). This World Bank report provides an in-depth analysis of the structural problems hidden behind Laos' high health budget compliance rate (89%-104%), such as delayed fund disbursement, lack of output-linked mechanisms, and insufficient data transparency. The article proposes targeted policy recommendations aimed at ensuring that funds truly reach the most basic health facilities, making it a key document for the study of health economics.
4. Prospects for the development of community-based care in remote rural areas: a stakeholder analysis in Laos (2024)
This qualitative study, through interviews with policymakers and frontline healthcare workers, reveals the challenges Laos faces in promoting community-based healthcare services in remote mountainous areas. The study found that although the government updated its primary healthcare policy in 2021, the last mile of service delivery often remains difficult to reach due to ethnic disparities, language barriers, and insufficient incentives for rural health volunteers (VHVs).
5. Patient Safety Culture of Hospitals in Southern Laos: A Cross-Sectional Study (2025)
In the rapid expansion of public health systems, healthcare safety is often overlooked. This cross-disciplinary study of 27 hospitals in southern Laos assessed healthcare workers' perceptions of error reporting and punitive cultures. The study indicates that Lao hospitals performed well in terms of organizational learning, but still need to work on building a “non-punitive environment,” providing benchmark data for healthcare quality management in Laos.
6. Analysis of Phlebotomine sandflies in Laos from 2014-2024: Inventory and screening for pathogens (2026)
As a hub for tropical medicine research, the Pasteur Institute in Laos has published this long-term surveillance study, providing early warning of the risks of vector-borne diseases such as leishmaniasis. The study found extremely high species diversity of sandflies in Laos and detected previously unknown trypanosome species. This paper demonstrates Laos' unique position in global public health security and biodiversity monitoring.
7. Impact of Breast-milk Substitute Promotion on Breastfeeding Practices in Laos (2020)
Laos faces the double burden of malnutrition. This study explores how dairy company marketing influences feeding choices among urban and rural women in Laos. The article points out that despite previously high breastfeeding rates, the penetration of breast milk substitutes has become a major public health threat, and recommends that the government strengthen enforcement of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes.
8. SCOPUS INDEXED SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS OF LAO PDR FROM 1996-2020 (2023)
This review analyzes Laos's scientific research output from a macro perspective, finding that "medicine" and "infectious disease" are the disciplines with the highest contribution to Laos's research. The article also analyzes Laos's international cooperation models with countries such as Thailand, France, and the United States. This is an excellent introductory article for readers who want to understand the overall ecosystem of public health research in Laos (from research capabilities to core partners).
(PDF) SCOPUS INDEXED SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS OF LAO PDR FROM 1996-2020.
Vietnam
1. Achievements and challenges of Vietnam’s journey toward universal health coverage (2020)
This review details the core achievements of Vietnam's health system: through a national mandatory health insurance system, coverage increased from 10% in 2000 to over 90% in 2020. The article delves into the definition of "primary healthcare packages" and their role in reducing catastrophic household health expenditures. It is essential reading for understanding why Vietnam has achieved high life expectancy and low infant mortality rates despite a relatively low GDP per capita.
2. Vietnam's response to COVID-19: Lessons in resilience and social mobilization (2021)
In the early stages of the pandemic, Vietnam was hailed as a global model for pandemic prevention. This paper analyzes, from a public health perspective, how Vietnam leveraged its existing SARS control experience, a robust community tracing network (the "four-location principle"), and efficient political mobilization to achieve its goal of zero infections. The article explores the feasibility of a pandemic prevention model based on administrative orders and community trust under conditions of limited resources.
(PDF) Vietnam’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Thailand
1. The Resilience of Thailand’s Universal Health Coverage: Lessons from Two Decades of Implementation (2022)
Since its launch in 2002, Thailand's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) policy has made significant progress. Today, every Thai citizen has the right to access basic preventative, treatment, and palliative care services at all stages of life. However, like similar policies in other countries, Thailand's UHC policy faces challenges. In a country with a high poverty rate, the tax-based healthcare system constantly faces pressure to control rising costs. There are disparities between different health insurance plans available to Thai citizens. National healthcare spending is primarily borne by the government, with the main aim of reducing economic barriers to healthcare access for the poor. As Thailand's population ages and lifestyles modernize, the demographic makeup of its population is also changing. Thailand is currently committed to strengthening and maintaining its UHC policy. This article will explore the advantages and disadvantages of different policy options and aim to identify the most promising and feasible pathways to strengthening and maintaining UHC. We believe that developing Thailand's existing primary healthcare system has the greatest potential to provide more sustainable, efficient, equitable, and effective UHC. Primary healthcare needs to shift from its traditional role of providing basic disease treatment to becoming the first point of contact in a comprehensive, coordinated healthcare system that is community-oriented and people-centered, and the national health budget should prioritize this.
(PDF) Universal health coverage and primary care, Thailand
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2. Thailand’s Integrated Primary Care Model: Addressing the Challenges of an Aging Society (2025)
Thailand is one of the fastest aging countries in ASEAN. This paper introduces Thailand's innovative "three-in-one" primary healthcare model, which deeply integrates public hospitals, district health hospitals, and a network of millions of rural health volunteers (VHVs). The article quantitatively evaluates the effectiveness of this model in managing chronic diseases (such as hypertension and diabetes) and providing home-based disability care for the elderly, demonstrating the crucial role of social capital in public health.
3. The Role of Village Health Volunteers in Thailand’s Resilience against COVID-19 (2021)
In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand achieved an extremely low baseline infection rate thanks to its large "grassroots militia"—Village Health Volunteers (VHV). This study details how over one million volunteers conducted door-to-door health monitoring, psychological support, and vaccination mobilization. It is considered a classic case study of community participation in public health, revealing the significant potential of non-medical professionals in public health emergency responses.
4. The effects of medical tourism: Thailand’s experience
This study aims to explore the positive and negative impacts of medical tourism on the Thai economy, medical personnel, and healthcare costs. The economic impact of medical tourism is primarily based on data from the Ministry of Commerce, with adjustments and inferences. The study also utilizes survey data from 4,755 foreign and Thai outpatients at two private hospitals to explore the impact of medical tourism on human resources. Furthermore, the study analyzes the relative price trends of cesarean sections, appendectomies, hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, and knee replacements at five private hospitals. To better understand stakeholder motivations and practices in these procedures and to gain a deeper understanding of medical tourism, the study also organized focus group and in-depth interviews with hospital administrators and key information providers from both public and private healthcare institutions. Medical tourism generates economic benefits equivalent to 0.4% of Thailand's GDP, but it exacerbates the shortage of medical personnel by attracting more medical staff away from public and private institutions to hospitals serving foreign patients. This has significantly increased healthcare costs in private hospitals and may drive up costs in public hospitals and the universal health insurance system that covers most of Thailand. This "brain drain" may also weaken medical training in the future. While medical tourism in Thailand has brought some benefits, it has also had some negative impacts, which can be mitigated by removing restrictions on the introduction of qualified foreign doctors and taxing tourists who come to Thailand solely for medical services. The resulting tax revenue could be used to train doctors and retain medical school professors. Link: (PDF) The effects of medical tourism: Thailand’s experience
5. Thailand’s National Strategy on Antimicrobial Resistance: Progress and Challenges (2021)
Antibiotic resistance (AMR) is a global public health threat. This article reviews the achievements of Thailand's first five-year AMR strategy, particularly its efforts to reduce antibiotic misuse in agriculture and human healthcare within the "One Health" framework. A highlight is the introduction of Thailand's unique "Smart Resistance Monitoring System," which enables real-time linkage between laboratory data and clinical diagnoses, providing a technical reference for global AMR governance.
Thailand's national strategic plan on antimicrobial resistance: progress and challenges - PMC
6. The Impact of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax on Consumption Behavior in Thailand (2024)
To address the surging obesity and diabetes problems, Thailand was one of the first countries in Asia to implement a tiered sugar tax. This study analyzed changes in consumer behavior and manufacturers' formulation adjustments using two years of follow-up data. The study found that the sugar tax significantly increased the market share of low-sugar products and discussed how tax policy can serve as an effective public health intervention tool. This has significant reference value for countries considering implementing similar fiscal interventions.
7. Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Syphilis: Thailand’s Success Story (2016/2019 更新)
Thailand is the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to receive WHO certification for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis. This classic paper details its success factors, including 100% prenatal screening coverage, free antiretroviral drugs, and strong laboratory support. The article also specifically discusses how marginalized groups, such as foreign workers, were included in the system to ensure no mother was left behind.
Elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis in Cuba and Thailand - PMC
Malaysia
1. Sustainable health financing for universal health coverage in Malaysia: Issues and challenges (2024)
This paper delves into the challenges of Malaysia's dual-track healthcare system. While Malaysia has achieved de facto universal healthcare coverage through substantial government subsidies, the existing financing model faces pressure due to an aging population and rising healthcare costs. The paper analyzes in detail the possibility of shifting from general tax financing to Social Health Insurance (SHI) and discusses how to balance public and private sector resources to reduce patients' out-of-pocket expenses. This is a key reference for scholars researching healthcare economic reforms in Southeast Asia.
2. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Malaysia: a cross-sectional study analysing trends and economic impacts
This nationwide study aimed to assess the economic impact of treating patients with drug-resistant organism (AMR) infections at Malaysian Ministry of Health (MoH) hospitals. Using a cross-sectional study design and a top-down costing approach, the study analyzed Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG) data of AMR patients admitted to MoH hospitals between 2017 and 2020. 1190 AMR infection cases were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) 2010 coding system. The study aimed to estimate the direct medical costs of treating AMR patients. Cost per admission was calculated based on the length of stay (LOS) per patient. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify cost determinants, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed on significant factors (p<0.05). Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and treatment costs were categorized as either above or below the annual national baseline cost. Results showed that medical costs were influenced by the number of cases identified by DRG coding and the mean length of stay (LOS), which ranged from 21.7 to 36.4 days. The median hospitalization costs for patients with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) ranged from RM12,476.28 (interquartile range IQR of RM15,655.93) to RM19,295.11 (interquartile range IQR of RM20,200.28). Both length of hospital stay and total costs increased year-over-year, from RM3,711,046.10 in 2017 to RM9,700,249.08 in 2019. Patients aged 56 years and older, as well as those with disease severity grades II and III, were more likely to exceed the national benchmark. These findings explained 9.3% of the variance in the regression model and can provide insights for policy development to mitigate the economic burden of AMR and improve patient outcomes, highlighting the need for a comprehensive strategy to address this global health threat.
Antimicrobial resistance in Malaysia: a cross-sectional study analysing trends and economic impacts | BMJ Open
Brunei
1. Mental healthcare in Brunei Darussalam: recent developments in mental health services and mental health law
Brunei Darussalam's mental health services and related legislation have undergone a period of development and reform. This article outlines the challenges facing the field, recent innovations, and priority areas for development over the next decade.
2. Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance in Brunei Darussalam: A One Health Perspective (2020)
As a high-income country, Brunei has demonstrated outstanding performance in the regulation of antibiotic resistance (AMR). This literature documents how Brunei has integrated human, animal, and environmental surveillance data to establish a nationwide surveillance network. The article details the stringent control procedures for multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in Brunei hospitals and analyzes the administrative advantages of a small society in implementing restrictive antibiotic prescription policies.
3. Barriers and Facilitators to Cancer Screening Uptake in Brunei Darussalam (2023)
Cancer has become one of the leading causes of death in Brunei. Despite the government providing free screenings, there is still room for improvement in participation rates. This paper, through interviews with the target population, reveals that psychological fear, cultural taboos, and a lack of understanding of the testing process are the main obstacles. The study proposes improvements such as targeted reminders via BruHealth and public awareness campaigns using mosque networks.
Singapore
1. Economic Burden of Multimorbidity in an Ageing Population: A Singaporean Perspective (2025)
With the high incidence of chronic diseases, it has become common for individuals to suffer from multiple diseases simultaneously (such as diabetes and hypertension). This study uses large-scale clinical data to quantify the financial impact of multiple co-occurrence on the healthcare system. The article finds that the shared care model can significantly reduce duplicate medication and hospitalization rates, and calls for a shift in health insurance policy from fee-for-service (FFS) to value-based care, providing important empirical evidence for health economics research.
Economic burden of multimorbidity among older adults: impact on healthcare and societal costs - PMC
2. Singapore’s 5 decades of dengue prevention and control—Implications for global dengue control
This article summarizes the lessons learned by Singapore over the past half-century in dengue fever epidemiology, risk factors, and prevention. During this period, Singapore has grown from a city of 1.9 million to a highly urbanized, globalized city-state of 5.6 million. Located in a tropical climate, Singapore's lush, green environment during urbanization has created ideal conditions for the breeding of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes (the vectors of dengue fever). As early as 1921, Singapore launched a vector control program primarily targeting malaria, but the Vector Control Unit (VCU) was not established until 1966 specifically to address the dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) first recorded in the 1960s. This program, centered on reducing sources of infection and conducting public education, and based on research into vector biology and ecology, successfully reduced the Aedes mosquito family index (HI) from 48% in 1966 to below 5% in the 1970s. Further strengthening the program through legislation and other means, the HI has been reduced to around 1% since the 1990s. The current project has four key characteristics: (i) enhanced proactive interepidemic surveillance and control during outbreaks; (ii) risk-oriented prevention and intervention strategies based on advanced data analytics; (iii) coordinated cross-sectoral collaboration among the public, private, and community sectors; and (iv) evidence-based adoption of new tools and strategies. Over the past 50 years, dengue seropositivity and infectivity (FOI) among residents have steadily declined significantly. This aligns with observations that dengue fever has a delayed onset age to adulthood and that the elderly are most severely affected. Paradoxically, since the 1990s, the number of reported dengue cases and outbreaks has increased, even reaching record levels. We believe the increased risk of outbreaks in Singapore is due to weakened population immunity, the emergence of new viral variants, urban expansion, and increased population density. The increased scale of reported outbreaks may also be attributed to advancements in diagnostic and surveillance technologies, which at least partially explains the contradiction between the rising trend in cases and the continued decline in dengue seropositivity. Changes in the global and local environment, such as climate change, accelerated urbanization, and increased global interconnectivity, are expected to make dengue control more challenging. The use of new vector monitoring and control tools, such as mosquito traps and Wolbachia technology, is crucial to curbing the growing threat of dengue fever and other Aedes mosquito-borne diseases.
Singapore’s 5 decades of dengue prevention and control—Implications for global dengue control - PMC
Philippines
1. Implementing Electronic Health Records in Philippine Primary Care Settings: Mixed-Methods Pilot Study
Between 2020 and 2022, the Primary Healthcare Research Project in the Philippines (a government-funded initiative to support the implementation of universal healthcare) piloted two electronic health record (EHR) systems in primary healthcare institutions in urban, rural, and remote areas. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of these two EHR systems in different primary healthcare institutions in the Philippines over a three-year period. This implementation study employed an interpretive mixed-methods design. Two EHR systems were deployed: one based on the Open Medical Records System (OpenMRS) platform, deployed in 2016; and the other based on a Microsoft system, deployed in 2021. Both systems integrated clinical documentation, pharmacy, laboratory, and reporting modules. Implementation strategies included training workshops and materials, iterative user feedback mechanisms, and co-financing with local governments for infrastructure. All end-users were surveyed annually. The primary outcome measure was user intention to use the system. Quantitative data were supplemented with inductive content analysis of qualitative feedback to interpret observed trends. A total of 351 questionnaires were collected between 2020 and 2022. In 2020, all sites showed high willingness to use OpenMRS-based electronic health records (EHRs). By 2022, with the rollout of Microsoft-based EHR systems, acceptance among physicians and administrators declined significantly, particularly at urban sites. In contrast, remote sites that retained OpenMRS-based systems maintained high acceptance rates. Qualitative findings indicate that while the new EHR systems are designed with greater emphasis on privacy, users prefer cross-platform EHRs for more flexible access to patient data. In rural sites, users were less affected because EHRs are used to assist nurses involved in clinical management with task transfers. Differences in EHR acceptance across urban, rural, and remote sites were influenced by environmental, technological, and demographic factors. The decline in acceptance after the EHR system transition highlights the importance of implementation strategies that reflect the specific needs and capabilities of each environment. These findings provide actionable insights for applying electronic health record systems to diverse primary care settings. Link: Implementing Electronic Health Records in Philippine Primary Care Settings: Mixed-Methods Pilot Study - PMC
2. Frontliners of the grassroots: Evaluating the role and training of Barangay Health Workers in the Philippines (2020)
The Philippines possesses a unique network of village-level (Barangay) health volunteers. This qualitative study explores how these non-professionals become the “capillaries” of the public health system. The article analyzes their irreplaceable role in community tracking, vaccine registration, and chronic disease follow-up, but also points to institutional challenges they face, such as underpayment and a lack of systematic training.
3. Enhancing tuberculosis patient detection and care through community volunteers in the urban poor, The Philippines
The Tuberculosis Institute Philippines Chapter is a local non-governmental organization (NGO) established in 2008 to improve accessibility to tuberculosis (TB) services. Community health volunteers (CHVs) from NGO referral sites participated in local TB control activities. This retrospective assessment, using a non-experimental design, reviewed the overall list of suspected TB and TB reports, and conducted a free discussion (FDS) in 2012. Results: Of the referred suspected TB patients, 78% (281/362) went to a Direct Observation and Treatment (DOTS) facility, of whom 69% (194/281) underwent diagnostic testing, and 42% (81/194) were diagnosed with active TB. Of the 93% (75/81) who started treatment, 92% (69/75) were successfully cured. Community health volunteers (CHVs) accounted for approximately 3% (75/2534) of all TB cases diagnosed at DOTS facilities. In family-supported care (FDS), barriers to patient access to care include relocation and lack of willingness to seek medical attention. In 2012, the attrition rate of community health volunteers was 55% (80/145). The study concluded that community health volunteers contribute to improving the accessibility of tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment and case detection rates. Exploration should be conducted on how to make the work of community health volunteers more sustainable to retain them.
Indonesia
1. Assessing Internet Quality Across Public Health Centers in Indonesia: Cross-Sectional Evaluation Study
Primary healthcare centers (Puskesmas) are the cornerstone of Indonesia's healthcare system, providing comprehensive services aimed at improving individual health through prevention, treatment, and health promotion. To effectively fulfill these responsibilities, a robust technological infrastructure, particularly a reliable internet connection, is increasingly important. Therefore, assessing the availability and quality of internet access at primary healthcare centers is a crucial step in understanding their readiness to implement digital health initiatives and fulfill their responsibility to provide convenient and efficient healthcare services.
2. Health Transformation in Indonesia Through Health Digitalization Strengthening: A Perspective From Occupational Health
Indonesia's Ministry of Health launched a massive digital transformation after 2022. This article explores how the national health database platform, "SatuSehat," integrates fragmented electronic medical records from tens of thousands of health institutions. The study discusses the technical barriers to achieving data interoperability in such a populous country and how digitalization can empower tuberculosis (TB) surveillance and maternal health management. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378950861_Health_Transformation_in_Indonesia_Through_Health_Digitalization_Strengthening_A_Perspective_From_Occupational_Healthjiankangqingbaonodejitaruhuanotuijinniyoruindoneshianojiankanggaigechanyebaojiankar
Timor Leste
1. Factors Affecting Quality of Care in Maternal and Child Health in Timor-Leste: A Scoping Review
East Timor faces numerous challenges in implementing high-quality maternal, neonatal, and child health (MNCH) services, particularly due to the severe impact of resource scarcity and socio-cultural factors on women's and children's health. This study conducted a scope-defined review to assess the quality of MNCH services in East Timor according to World Health Organization (WHO) quality standards, specifically including: 1. service delivery; 2. patient experience; and 3. cross-sectoral standards. A literature search identified 1058 articles, of which 28 met the inclusion criteria in full. The findings highlight the inadequacy of healthcare workers' capacity to provide high-quality services and make referrals. The main causes include shortages of basic necessities, inconvenient infrastructure and transportation, limited opportunities for continuing education, and deficiencies in health information systems. Service delivery standards and cross-sectoral standards need to be addressed at a broader systemic level. The findings regarding patient experience emphasize the importance of effective communication, respect, and emotional support, especially for vulnerable women and children with limited access to services and those who have experienced violence. These experience-related standards can be addressed both at the individual healthcare worker and service level and at the systemic level. This study provides direction for implementing quality improvement initiatives at the local, municipal, and national levels of healthcare institutions.
2. Factors associated with stunting among children under five in Timor-Leste: A cross-sectional study (2022)
Malnutrition is one of the most severe public health challenges in East Timor, where the rate of childhood stunting was once among the highest in the world. This article explores the combined effects of food insecurity, lack of clean drinking water, and traditional feeding practices on children's growth and development through empirical research. The article argues that food aid alone cannot solve the problem; a fundamental improvement in nutritional status requires integrating a Water, Sanitation and Personal Hygiene (WASH) program with women's empowerment.
Risk Factors Associated with Stunting among Children Under Five in Timor-Leste - PMC