In training and producing health human resources, including doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals, the State has been increasing the number trained each year in line with national requirements, so as to provide the public with quality healthcare services.
It was noted that the severe COVID-19 pandemic, which the entire world had to face, was successfully overcome through the collective efforts of the government, civil servants and the public under the policy that “nothing is more important than human life”. Moreover, when natural disasters such as Cyclone Mocha in 2023, Typhoon Yagi in 2024, and the Mandalay earthquake in 2025 occurred, healthcare workers could be seen selflessly making sacrifices and working in unity to strive to deliver healthcare services.
In terms of strengthening healthcare infrastructure, a total of 25 people’s hospitals were upgraded over the past five years. To reduce disparities between urban and rural healthcare services and ensure equal access, 12 new 16-bed hospitals were newly established and expanded in rural areas. In addition, efforts were made to construct high-quality buildings that are essential for hospital operations. As a result, 41 new hospital buildings and staff housing facilities were also constructed during the five years.

In addition, to enhance staff performance, opportunities have been arranged for both domestic and overseas postgraduate training. Promotions for nurses and the upgrading of nursing schools to institutions of nursing science have also been carried out. As a result, when providing healthcare to the public, not only must quality and competence be ensured, but healthcare professionals are also expected to adhere to professional ethics and standards in their respective fields.

In upgrading the health sector, emphasis has been placed on achieving Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – the long-term development of a skilled health workforce. Following the policy of “where there is a hospital, there must be doctors,” over the past five years, every public hospital has been staffed with doctors, including 2,649 newly appointed physicians, along with outpatient and inpatient doctors, nurses, health professionals, and public health workers.
In addition, to enhance staff performance, opportunities have been arranged for both domestic and overseas postgraduate training. Promotions for nurses and the upgrading of nursing schools to institutions of nursing science have also been carried out. As a result, when providing healthcare to the public, not only must quality and competence be ensured, but healthcare professionals are also expected to adhere to professional ethics and standards in their respective fields.
Research activities related to medical treatment and hospital administration must also be expanded and strengthened. In conducting health-related research, the Ministry of Health will collaborate with medical and allied universities, hospitals, disease control programs, primary healthcare staff, and community-based organizations. Only through such cooperation can successive generations of healthy and resilient citizens be developed.

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Kidney disease is a major global health issue that affects millions of people. Many individuals living with the disease experience serious physical and mental health challenges. Patients may face social isolation, stigma, financial difficulties and reduced employment opportunities as a result of their condition.
The increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood sugar, hypertension and obesity has significantly contributed to the rise in chronic kidney disease (CKD). These conditions are among the leading causes of kidney damage worldwide. As kidney disease can weaken a nation’s workforce and reduce productivity, healthcare specialists, doctors and public health professionals have strengthened efforts to raise public awareness. Educational campaigns now emphasize prevention, early detection and proper management of risk factors to reduce the risk of disease.

Kidney disease currently ranks eighth among the leading causes of death worldwide. In response, health experts are expanding preventive programmes and public education initiatives. Awareness activities held during World Kidney Day take place in more than 60 countries, including Myanmar, encouraging people to recognize risk factors, adopt preventive behaviours and maintain healthy lifestyles to protect kidney health.

World Kidney Day is observed each year as an international health awareness campaign aimed at highlighting the importance of kidney health and reducing the global burden of kidney disease. Through this campaign, healthcare professionals, patient organizations, policymakers and communities collaborate to promote a better understanding of kidney disease and encourage preventive action.
A key objective of World Kidney Day is to improve public knowledge of risk factors and the importance of early screening. Chronic kidney disease often develops gradually and may not show clear symptoms in its early stages. As a result, many people remain unaware that they have the condition until it becomes severe. Public health campaigns, therefore, encourage regular medical check-ups, particularly for those at higher risk.
The theme for World Kidney Day 2026, “Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet,” highlights the close connection between human health and environmental sustainability. Environmental factors such as climate change, rising temperatures, pollution and exposure to toxins can increase the risk of kidney injury and long-term kidney disease. Extreme heat, air and water pollution may affect the kidneys of patients to suffer from kidney damage over time.
Healthcare systems are also encouraged to adopt more sustainable practices. Treatments such as dialysis require large amounts of water, electricity and medical resources. By promoting innovation and environmentally responsible healthcare practices, it is possible to reduce environmental impact while continuing to provide effective care for patients.
Kidney disease currently ranks eighth among the leading causes of death worldwide. In response, health experts are expanding preventive programmes and public education initiatives. Awareness activities held during World Kidney Day take place in more than 60 countries, including Myanmar, encouraging people to recognize risk factors, adopt preventive behaviours and maintain healthy lifestyles to protect kidney health.

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In order to reduce the mortality rate from cancer and enable early detection and treatment of the disease, Myanmar has formulated the National Strategic Plan for Cancer Control (2023-2027) and is implementing it as a national-level strategy for the prevention, control and treatment of cancer.
Health is the most fundamental foundation for survival and human resource development, as it is said that in human life, “only when one is healthy can one pursue education, and only when one is healthy can one work”. Only when the people are healthy and strong can the nation enhance its productivity, maintain social stability, and promote the development of future generations. Therefore, efforts are being vigorously undertaken with the objectives of enabling the people to live their full life span, remain free from diseases, and maintain good health and physical fitness.

Since 2021, seven new radiotherapy machines have been installed at general hospitals in Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw. As a result, there are now five radiotherapy centres, 15 radiotherapy machines and four brachytherapy units in public hospitals and departments under the Ministry of Health. In addition, there are four radiotherapy centres, four radiotherapy machines and one brachytherapy unit operating in military hospitals. Consequently, treatment has been given to 285 inpatients and 3,805 outpatients.

In commemoration of the 81st Anniversary of Armed Forces Day 2026, the opening ceremony of the National Cancer Centre (NCC) in Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Township, Yangon Region, was held recently, and it was inaugurated by the Head of State in person. It was established with the aim of providing cancer patients with comprehensive treatment at a single location as a one-stop comprehensive care centre, as well as carrying out research activities.
It is learned that the State allocated more than K34 billion for the five-storey treatment ward, the eight-storey treatment ward and the radiotherapy machine rooms, more than K12 billion for staff housing, and more than K30 billion for three new radiotherapy machines during the 2024-2025 fiscal year. In addition, one machine donated by well-wishers this year is valued at K19 billion.
Since 2021, seven new radiotherapy machines have been installed at general hospitals in Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw. As a result, there are now five radiotherapy centres, 15 radiotherapy machines and four brachytherapy units in public hospitals and departments under the Ministry of Health. In addition, there are four radiotherapy centres, four radiotherapy machines and one brachytherapy unit operating in military hospitals. Consequently, treatment has been given to 285 inpatients and 3,805 outpatients.
No matter how modern and advanced the available equipment may be, the most crucial factor for successful treatment is the skill and dedication of the human resources who operate and use the machines. As cancer patients may also suffer psychological distress related to their illness, healthcare workers are urged to uphold the three guiding virtues already embedded in their profession and to care for patients with compassion, warmth and kindness, treating them with a family-like spirit.

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Myanmar’s Ministry of Health has announced that a nationwide effort will be carried out to completely eradicate the poliovirus in Myanmar. This will be implemented both during the regional immunization days from 23 to 25 January 2026 and the national immunization days from 20 to 22 February 2026.
A nationwide assessment was conducted to identify townships at risk of poliovirus transmission. As a result, 171 townships across 16 regions and states were identified as being at risk for polio outbreaks. It has been determined that, during the regional immunization days from 23 to 25 January, approximately 2.83 million children under the age of five will receive additional polio vaccine doses as part of the immunization campaign.
In addition, the ministerial announcement stated that approximately 4.60 million children under the age of five will receive immunizations during the National Immunization Days, from 20 to 22 February, including the polio vaccine in the Nay Pyi Taw Council area and in 330 townships across the states and regions.

Polio disease can be spread through unhygienic foods and water from person to person. The virus can damage the central nervous system. Even if a child contracts the polio virus in one part of the world, children in all countries remain at risk of infection. This is because the virus can easily enter countries that have been declared polio-free and can quickly infect those who have not yet been vaccinated. Therefore, the World Health Organization has warned that if countries fail to completely eradicate the polio virus, around 200,000 new cases could occur worldwide within the next ten years.

In this initiative, people from all walks of life are expected to cooperate with the Ministry of Health in coming immunization activities. During the Regional Immunization Days and National Immunization Days, the Ministry will provide guidance to ensure the participation of primary healthcare workers at all levels. Government bodies, health departments, and related agencies from each state and region, as well as non-governmental social organizations, will work together to carry out the activities, with support and participation from the public.
Polio disease can be spread through unhygienic foods and water from person to person. The virus can damage the central nervous system. Even if a child contracts the polio virus in one part of the world, children in all countries remain at risk of infection. This is because the virus can easily enter countries that have been declared polio-free and can quickly infect those who have not yet been vaccinated. Therefore, the World Health Organization has warned that if countries fail to completely eradicate the polio virus, around 200,000 new cases could occur worldwide within the next ten years.
Polio cannot be completely cured, but efforts can be made to prevent outbreaks of the polio virus in advance. However, if countries around the world delay eradicating polio, their children could become victims of the disease in a short time. Therefore, everyone should ensure that their children receive the polio vaccination during the upcoming National Immunization Day to protect their future.

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Walking is one of the simplest and most beneficial activities for maintaining both physical and mental well-being. For people of all ages, taking time to walk each day helps strengthen the body, refresh the mind, and support long-term health. Regular walking can aid in reducing body weight and preventing obesity, while also improving stamina.
Among all forms of exercise, walking stands out as the easiest and most widely practised. It requires no major expenses, no special training, and can be done almost anywhere. Because of this convenience, walking has become popular across different social and age groups, making it one of the most accessible ways to stay healthy.
Walking also provides important mental health benefits. It can help reduce stress, anxiety, and mild depressive feelings by refreshing the mind and improving mood. People who walk regularly often experience greater self-confidence, and they are more likely to avoid negative behaviours in their daily interactions. In addition, walking supports a healthy body structure by strengthening the knees, hips, and joints. The muscles around these joints become more flexible and stable, contributing to better movement and reduced discomfort. People who aim for around 10,000 steps a day often notice clearer improvements in muscle condition and overall physical strength.

Walking early in the morning brings additional benefits, as it helps activate the body’s systems and prepares individuals for their daily tasks without fatigue. In many places, walking activities are organized during the colder months, especially in December, encouraging communities to participate together. Because good health is a valuable asset, daily walking can help reduce the risks of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, respiratory illnesses, and other conditions. For these reasons, walking is an essential activity that everyone can incorporate throughout their lifetime to build and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Research shows that walking can also help reduce the risk of common illnesses. Adults who walk between 30 and 45 minutes daily have been observed to lower their risk of fever and respiratory infections by up to 43 per cent. This highlights walking as a simple yet effective way to maintain strong immunity, especially during seasons when colds and flu are more common.
Making walking a daily habit helps individuals enjoy longer, healthier lives. Setting aside just 30 minutes each day can contribute to a fit and active lifestyle. Walking alone or with family and friends can also make the activity enjoyable and motivating. Observations show that those who walk regularly tend to remain energetic, alert, and mentally refreshed throughout the day.
Walking early in the morning brings additional benefits, as it helps activate the body’s systems and prepares individuals for their daily tasks without fatigue. In many places, walking activities are organized during the colder months, especially in December, encouraging communities to participate together. Because good health is a valuable asset, daily walking can help reduce the risks of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, respiratory illnesses, and other conditions. For these reasons, walking is an essential activity that everyone can incorporate throughout their lifetime to build and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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Photo: Harvard Health

EXERCISE appears to spark a whole-body anti-ageing cascade, and scientists have now mapped out how it happens–and how a simple oral compound can mimic it.
By following volunteers through rest, intense workouts, and endurance training, researchers found that the kidneys act as the hidden command centre, flooding the body with a metabolite called betaine that restores balance, rejuvenates immune cells, and cools inflammation.
Even more striking, giving betaine on its own reproduced many benefits of long-term training, from sharper cognition to calmer inflammation.
A new study in the journal Cell from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University explains how exercise helps the body stay youthful.
The researchers also highlight betaine — a metabolite produced in the kidney — as an oral compound that can imitate many of the rejuvenating effects normally linked to physical activity.
Betaine is a small molecule found in foods like beets and spinach, but the body also makes it on its own. In this study, it emerged as an important signal that helps coordinate the anti-ageing benefits of longterm exercise.
How the Body Responds to Exercise
The research team followed 13 healthy men over six years to observe how the body reacts to both short-term and long-term exercise.
Using multiomics tools that track genes, proteins, metabolites, and gut bacteria, the scientists compared the body at rest, after a single 5 km run, and after a 25-day running programme.
Their results showed that the kidney plays a central role in managing the body’s response to exercise.
During sustained training, the kidney produced large increases in betaine, which helped send protective, anti-ageing signals throughout the body.
Solving the Exercise Paradox
The study also helps explain the “exercise paradox”, where a single intense workout causes stress but long-term training improves overall health.
A short run triggered temporary inflammation and “metabolic chaos”, while regular training restored balance and strengthened the immune system. SOURCE: ANI

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By implementing school health improvement programs nationwide, and in line with the 2025–2026 academic year School Health Week slogan, “Let’s Promote School Health for the All-Round Development of Youth,” the country aims to ensure that school-aged youth — an important human resource of the nation — are well-rounded and fully developed.

The health of school-aged youth, who are a key human resource for national development, must be continuously promoted through the coordinated efforts of relevant organizations and associated agencies. Only then can healthy lifestyle practices be instilled and firmly established in children and students from a young age.

Starting from the 2025-2026 academic year, all basic education schools are to be designated as health-promoting schools through the coordinated efforts of education and health officials, parents, and teachers, based on the capacity of each region and school. To improve nutrition for students, the school nutrition programmes were implemented starting from the 2024–2025 academic year and will continue in the 2025–2026 academic year. Successful implementation will require the cooperation and support of relevant departments and local authorities.
Accordingly, in carrying out school health activities for the current academic year, priority programs include school-based dengue fever prevention and control measures such as spraying insecticide and fumigation before schools open, applying larvicide every six weeks, and conducting the “cover, empty, turn over, check” campaign. Other measures include health awareness talks on dengue fever, implementing school nutrition programmes, and ensuring that school snack stalls comply with health standards. These activities are to be jointly coordinated by the responsible education and health authorities.
Therefore, to increase public knowledge and awareness of nutrition development, and to encourage greater interest and participation in nutrition promotion in Myanmar, the World Breastfeeding Week is observed in the first week of August, the Nutrition Development Week in the second week, and then, the School Health Week activities. To build a strong and healthy society, it is essential for everyone to take part in basic healthcare activities that nurture and raise the next generation — the foundation of the nation’s future.
In the 2024–2025 academic year, the Ministry of Health conducted school health-related training courses, providing medicines and medical supplies, offering technical support, and producing and supplying health education materials to carry out school-based health awareness activities. It was able to provide general healthcare services to over 90 per cent of primary school students and school-based primary eye care services to over 85 per cent of them.
The health of school-aged youth, who are a key human resource for national development, must be continuously promoted through the coordinated efforts of relevant organizations and associated agencies. Only then can healthy lifestyle practices be instilled and firmly established in children and students from a young age.

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KEY POINTS

• The research highlights the urgent need for global action to reduce UPF intake through regulatory and fiscal policies that promote healthier dietary environments.

• Lead investigator Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson emphasizes that UPFs, which are largely devoid of whole foods and rich in harmful additives, pose a serious health risk linked to various diseases and should be prioritized in public nutrition strategies.

A STUDY analyzing data from nationally representative dietary surveys and mortality data from eight countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, United Kingdom, and United States) shows that premature deaths attributable to consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) increase significantly according to their share in individuals’ total energy intake.
The new study, appearing in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, published by Elsevier, reinforces the call for global action to reduce UPF consumption, supported by regulatory and fiscal policies that foster healthier environments.
UPFs are ready-to-eat-or-heat industrial formulations that are made with ingredients extracted from foods or synthesized in laboratories, with little or no whole foods in their composition.
These have gradually been replacing traditional foods and meals made from fresh and minimally processed ingredients. Lead investigator of the study, Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson, DSc, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Brazil, says, “UPFs affect health beyond the individual impact of high content of critical nutrients (sodium, trans fats, and sugar) because of the changes in the foods during industrial processing and the use of artificial ingredients, including colorants, artificial flavors and sweeteners, emulsifiers, and many other additives and processing aids, so assessing deaths from all-causes associated with UPF consumption allows an overall estimate of the effect of industrial food processing on health.” ANI

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

• Some foods can be incorporated into your diet every day to help you stay healthy

• Registered dietician Reda Elmardi recommended adding berries to your diet

• He also suggested adding yogurt for the sake of your gut health 

One of the most frustrating parts of being an adult is figuring out what to feed yourself everyday. 

And while you may be tempted to opt for a microwavable pizza every night, health experts want to make sure that you're incorporating nutritional foods into your diet.

One way to do this is to try and put some key, healthy foods into your everyday diet. 

Luckily, most of the foods that nutritionists recommend eating on a daily basis are super common, and most likely already on your grocery list. 

Now, some dieticians and health experts warn against eating the same foods every day, but this typically applies to full meals. 

Registered dietician and nutritionist Shelley Balls told DailyMail.com, 'It limits variety which is crucial for overall health, especially gut health.' 

But that doesn't mean you can't take some really important foods and find ways to include them in your daily meals. 

In fact, there are a few foods that nutritionists themselves recommend eating everyday. 

Oats  

'Oats are an excellent source of whole grains and contain plenty of fiber and nutrients that make them a healthy meal or snack, registered dietician Trisha Best told DailyMail.com.

She said that these benefits can sometimes be overshadowed when people decide to add excessive sugar or calorie-dense toppings.

But, when made with mix-ins like nuts, cinnamon, blueberries, strawberries, and bananas, they can be great options. 

'The fiber in oatmeal keeps you feeling full for longer, which can prevent overeating throughout the morning. The whole grains keep your blood sugar stabilized, preventing spikes and dips that are associated with increased weight gain,' Best said.

Basil Seeds  

You might assume 'chia seeds' if any seeds would be included in this list, but registered dietician Stacy-Roberts Davis said basil seeds are the way to go.

'It's high in fiber, protein, iron and potassium. It's a better choice than chia seeds,' she said.

She also explained that just two tablespoons of basil seeds has 15 grams of fiber in it - more than half of what your daily intake should be! 

Spinach 

You probably already know that you want to incorporate leafy greens into your diet, but did you know that spinach in specific is a great choice to eat every day? 'Spinach is packed with magnesium, iron and antioxidants, helping reduce inflammation, supporting muscle recovery and promoting relaxation - all of which aid in better sleep,' nutritionist and registered dietician Amy Shapiro said. Plus, spinach is a non-greasy vegetable - meaning that it won't cause you any stomach issues.  

Yogurt  

Registered dietician Reda Elmardi emphasized the importance of gut-healthy foods. 'Most people don’t realize that digestion impacts everything - mood, immunity, weight,' he said. That's why yogurt is on Elmardi's list of foods to eat every day. Yogurt is rich in probiotics, calcium, and protein. 'Trust me, your gut will thank you,' Elmardi said. 

Berries 

Whether you're more of a strawberry person or have an inclination toward blueberries, it doesn't matter. 'Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries - they fight inflammation, boost brain function, and keep blood sugar in check. Bonus: they taste amazing,' Elmardi said.  He explained that adding berries to your everyday diet will help you age better and keep your heart healthy. 

Source: Mail Online

RESEARCHERS have conducted one of the largest eye studies in the world to reveal new insights into retinal thickness, highlighting its potential in the early detection of diseases like type 2 diabetes, dementia and multiple sclerosis. 

The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) led study used cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology to analyse over 50,000 eyes and produced maps of the retina in unprecedented detail to better understand how retinal differences link to various diseases. 

The retina is part of the central nervous system, which also comprises the brain and spinal cord. Many diseases are linked to degeneration or disruption of this critical system, including neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia and metabolic disorders like diabetes. 

Sported by AI, the research has created the most detailed maps of the retina ever produced. 

WEHI researchers have used these maps to link retinal thinning to a range of diseases as well as identifying new genetic factors that influence retinal thickness. 

The findings could pave the way for routine eyecare imaging as a disease screening tool. Unlocking a window into the brain. 

Lead researcher, WEHI’s Dr Vicki Jackson, said the findings broaden the horizons for using retinal imaging as a doorway into the central nervous system, to help man age disease. 

“We’ve shown that retinal imaging can act as a window to the brain, by detecting associations with neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis and many other conditions,” said Dr Jackson, a statistician and gene expert. 

“Our maps’ fine-scale measurements reveal critical new details about connections between retinal thinning and a range of common conditions.” 

The study also identified new genetic factors that influence retinal thickness, which are likely to play a role in the growth and development of a person’s retina. __ANI

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

• Researchers conducted one of the largest eye studies to reveal how retinal thickness can aid in early disease detection, including type 2 diabetes, dementia, and multiple sclerosis. 

• Led by the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI), the study used AI technology to create detailed retina maps, linking retinal thinning to various diseases. 

• The findings show that retinal imaging could serve as a diagnostic tool for neurological and metabolic disorders, offering a window into the brain. 

• Additionally, new genetic factors influencing retinal thickness were identified, further enhancing its potential as a disease biomarker.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar