January 2024

In 2023, a significant milestone was reached with the conclusion of the COVID-19 era as a worldwide health emergency. As we turn our attention to 2024 and the future, what public health challenges are we expected to face?

Locally, Singapore will be confronted with issues linked to its aging population, mental health concerns, and ongoing endeavors to handle and plan for outbreaks of infectious diseases.

Globally, there are challenges in ensuring equitable access to #vaccines in underserved areas and managing antibiotic resistance amongst other issues.

Hear from A/P Natasha Howard as she shares her expert opinion on these pressing issues.

Photo credit: NUS News

On 8 January 2024, a conferment ceremony was held at the Lao Plaza Hotel for Professor Mayfong Mayxay, Vice President of the University of Health Sciences in Laos PDR. This special event was attended by Professor Teo Yik Ying together with over 50 representatives and leaders, with the aim of fostering future collaborations and strengthening partnerships between the School and institutions in Lao PDR.
Distinguished guests include Professor Bounkong Syhavong, Vice President of the Council of Health Professionals and Former Minister of Health; Dr. Khampasong Setthavanxay, Vice-President of the University of Health Sciences (Lao PDR); Madam Thoummaly Vongphachanh, President of the Cultural & Social Affairs Committee, National Assembly of Lao PDR; Dr. Latsamy Siengsounthone, Director-General of Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute; and Mr. Chew Zhen Hao, Deputy Chief of Mission and Counsellor, Embassy of Singapore to Lao PDR.

Is it appropriate to consider it as a criminal offense if your sexual partner fails to disclose their HIV-positive status?

The Infectious Diseases Act (IDA) currently mandates individuals living with #HIV to disclose their status to their sexual partners, enabling informed decisions and necessary precautions. This is a double edge sword as this legal requirement may discourage people from seeking HIV support and services, conflicting with public health goals.

Congratulations to Dr Andre Matthias Mueller for being promoted to Senior Lecturer with effect from 1 January 2024.

Andre’s main teaching areas include physical activity and lifestyle behaviour. Some of Andre’s achievements include redesigning the course, SPH3404: Physical Activity for Better Population Health, with pedagogical theories such as using teaching elements that promote positive affects related to learning. He also developed the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on health behaviours. MOOC is an online course aimed at unlimited participation and open access via the Web. Due to Andre’s sustained excellent performance in teaching, he was awarded the Faculty Teaching Excellence Individual award for AY2020/2021.

We would like to thank Andre for his dedicated service towards advancing public health education and wish him continuing success in his career ahead!