Helena Rodi , Anna Chapman , Rebecca J. Bergin , Paul Grogan , Megan Varlow , Anna Boltong , Anna Ugalde , Skye Marshall
{"title":"Examining the historical evolution of cancer policy in Australia: impact of key initiatives on equity and outcomes","authors":"Helena Rodi , Anna Chapman , Rebecca J. Bergin , Paul Grogan , Megan Varlow , Anna Boltong , Anna Ugalde , Skye Marshall","doi":"10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101731","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101731","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Australia's cancer policy has progressed from fragmented, disease-specific initiatives in the 1960s–70s to coordinated national frameworks that aim to prioritise equity and patient-centred care. Early policies focused on treatment and prevention, with limited attention to disparities affecting different communities and population groups. This review aimed to examine the historical development of cancer policy in Australia and assess the impact of key initiatives on equity outcomes. A narrative review methodology was employed, drawing on policy documents, government reports, and peer-reviewed literature. Key milestones, systemic gaps, and strategies addressing disparities were identified and discussed. The review found a growing policy focus on addressing socioeconomic, geographic, and cultural barriers to care, reflected in initiatives such as the Australian Cancer Plan and Optimal Care Pathways. However, persistent challenges in implementation, resource allocation, and adherence monitoring limit progress. Strengthening monitoring systems and investing in prevention, early detection, high-quality care, and inclusive research remain critical to reducing the cancer burden and achieving equitable outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22792,"journal":{"name":"The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101731"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077465","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Diabetes care performance in Indonesia: a serial cross-sectional analysis of behavioral, clinical, and laboratory outcomes from 2013 to 2023","authors":"Farizal Rizky Muharram , Julian Benedict Swannjo , Dicky Lavenus Tahapary , Sally Aman Nasution , Delvac Oceandy","doi":"10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101759","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101759","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The growing diabetes burden in Indonesia necessitates a comprehensive understanding of national diabetes care performance, which remains inadequately characterized. Evaluating care quality across domains is essential to inform chronic disease policy and improve health outcomes. This study assesses trends in behavioral, clinical, and laboratory outcomes of diabetes care in Indonesia from 2013 to 2023.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a serial cross-sectional analysis of pooled data from the 2013, 2018, and 2023 Indonesian national health surveys (N = 42,224 for behavioral-clinical and N = 2957 for laboratory outcomes). Diabetes care performance was assessed across behavioral (treatment, smoking, diet, activity), clinical (blood pressure, BMI, waist length), and laboratory (glucose, lipids, renal function) domains. Composite scores and multilevel models were used to identify geographic and sociodemographic disparities.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Although linkage to diabetes care significantly improved from 68% to 92% between 2013 and 2023, performance in most other indicators remained stagnant or declined. In 2023, only 2.9% (95% CI 2.5–3.3%) met dietary fiber intake targets, 62.4% (95% CI 61.2–63.6%) achieved physical activity goals, and 83.9% (95% CI 82.9–84.8%) abstained from smoking. Clinical control was suboptimal, with 43.5% (95% CI 42.3–44.8%) meeting blood pressure targets and only 26.7% (95% CI 25.6–27.9%) and 33.1% (95% CI 32.0–34.3%) achieving BMI and waist circumference goals, respectively. Laboratory control was limited: only 25.2% (21.6–28.8%) achieved fasting glucose targets, 32.0% (95% CI 27.6–36.3%) had HbA1c <7%, and only 22.6% (95% CI 19.1–26.2%) met LDL-C goals. Fewer than 5% of participants met all behavioral-clinical or laboratory composite targets. Composite performance declined in nearly all provinces, with disparities linked to older age, male sex, lower education, and rural residence.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>Despite expanded healthcare coverage, Indonesia's diabetes care performance remains critically inadequate, particularly for achieving multiple targets. Strengthening national guidelines, embedding structured chronic care, and addressing social determinants are essential to improving diabetes outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Funding</h3><div>None.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22792,"journal":{"name":"The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 101759"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145615707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amanda Gwee , Sarah Bannister , Emma Best , Jeremy Carr , Kiera Harwood , Tony Lai , Alice Lei , Flora Lutui , Brendan McMullan , Mona Mostaghim , Lesley Voss , Heather Weerdenburg , Phoebe Williams , Amanda Wilkins , Daniel Yeoh , KIDS DOSE group
{"title":"Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium infections in children in the Oceania region: review of the epidemiology, antimicrobial availability, treatment, clinical trial and pharmacokinetic data and key evidence gaps","authors":"Amanda Gwee , Sarah Bannister , Emma Best , Jeremy Carr , Kiera Harwood , Tony Lai , Alice Lei , Flora Lutui , Brendan McMullan , Mona Mostaghim , Lesley Voss , Heather Weerdenburg , Phoebe Williams , Amanda Wilkins , Daniel Yeoh , KIDS DOSE group","doi":"10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101754","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101754","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to children's health, with up to 20% of 1.27 million deaths attributable to bacterial AMR annually, occurring in children <5 years. The WHO 2024 Bacterial Priority Pathogens List identifies methicillin-resistant <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant <em>Enterococcus faecium</em> (VRE) as critical pathogens. This review examines the epidemiology, treatment recommendations, dosing strategies, efficacy, and safety data for antibiotics targeting MRSA and VRE infections in children in Oceania. Paediatric MRSA infections are prevalent (13–43%) across Oceania, while VRE infections remain uncommon (3–5%). Disparate access to recommended treatments, particularly in Pacific Island Countries and Territories, highlights the need for paediatric licensing. Paediatric trials primarily assess safety, with efficacy data limited to vancomycin, teicoplanin, and daptomycin. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies show standard dosing in children under 12 years often fails to achieve therapeutic targets, highlighting the need for dedicated dosing studies. Addressing these gaps is essential to advancing paediatric access to optimal treatment for drug-resistant infections in the region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22792,"journal":{"name":"The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 101754"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145615708","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
David A. Skerrett-Byrne , Lee M. Ashton , Brett Nixon , Philip J. Morgan
{"title":"Determinants of male fertility in the Western Pacific Region: environmental, biological, and lifestyle influences","authors":"David A. Skerrett-Byrne , Lee M. Ashton , Brett Nixon , Philip J. Morgan","doi":"10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101716","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101716","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Over the past half-century, global fertility rates have declined, with the Western Pacific Region (WPR) experiencing a particularly notable drop. A recent World Health Organisation-commissioned report identified the WPR as exhibiting the highest infertility prevalence at 23.2%, compared to the global average of 17.5%. While the drivers of this decline are complex, one key contributor is male infertility, yet it remains under addressed in research and policy. In this paper, we synthesise current evidence on male infertility with a focus on the WPR. Specifically, we explore environmental, biological, and demographic correlates of male infertility, examine molecular mechanisms regulating sperm function and assess the impact of lifestyle interventions. Our findings highlight significant gaps in regional evidence, advocating for targeted research and culturally tailored interventions to enhance preconception male health within the WPR. Based on this synthesis, we propose preventive strategies and evidence-based recommendations to improve male preconception health in the region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22792,"journal":{"name":"The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 101716"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145839286","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
John D. Hart , Jimaima Kailawadoko , Tria Williams , Jyotishna Mani , Ilikena Malo , Tuliana Cua , Natalie Caltabiano , Jasmyn Voss , Kristy Azzopardi , Matthew G. Parnaby , Sanjeshni Autar , Komal Chand , Lavenia Lagilagi , Jessica Paka , Eric Rafai , Joseph Kado , Hannah Frost , Andrew C. Steer
{"title":"Clinical decision rules for diagnosis of Streptococcus pyogenes sore throat in Fiji: a prospective diagnostic accuracy study","authors":"John D. Hart , Jimaima Kailawadoko , Tria Williams , Jyotishna Mani , Ilikena Malo , Tuliana Cua , Natalie Caltabiano , Jasmyn Voss , Kristy Azzopardi , Matthew G. Parnaby , Sanjeshni Autar , Komal Chand , Lavenia Lagilagi , Jessica Paka , Eric Rafai , Joseph Kado , Hannah Frost , Andrew C. Steer","doi":"10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101763","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101763","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Acute rheumatic fever is an immune-mediated condition triggered by <em>Streptococcus pyogenes</em> sore throat and possibly skin infection, with a substantial burden in resource-limited settings. Clinical decision rules (CDRs) are commonly used to guide antibiotic treatment of sore throat based on signs and symptoms, but their diagnostic accuracy varies by study and setting. This work aimed to assess the accuracy of multiple CDRs in Fiji to diagnose <em>S. pyogenes</em> sore throat.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a prospective diagnostic accuracy study at two primary healthcare centres in Suva, Fiji, enrolling children aged 5–15 years presenting with sore throat. Clinical features were assessed, and two throat swabs were collected from each participant for <em>S. pyogenes</em> detection using culture and a point-of-care nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Six CDRs were evaluated against NAAT and culture as reference standards.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Of 250 participants, <em>S. pyogenes</em> was detected among 31.7% (95% CI: 26.0–37.9) by NAAT and 10.4% (95% CI: 7.6–15.8) by culture. The Fiji CDR demonstrated high sensitivity (98.7%, 95% CI: 93.1–100 vs. NAAT; 100%, 95% CI: 86.8–100 vs. culture) but very low specificity (4.7% (95% CI: 2.1–9.1) vs. NAAT; 4.0% (95% CI: 1.9–7.5) vs. culture). All CDRs had poor discriminatory power (area under receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.48–0.55).</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>CDRs cannot accurately diagnose <em>S. pyogenes</em> sore throat in this tropical setting where rheumatic fever is common. There appears to be a high burden of <em>S. pyogenes</em> sore throat in Fiji, apparently underestimated when traditional culture-based methods are used. Although NAAT testing offers higher sensitivity than culture, the costs remain high. There is an urgent need for accurate, affordable diagnostics to guide sore throat management in resource-limited settings.</div></div><div><h3>Funding</h3><div>This project was funded by a <span>New Zealand Aid Programme grant</span>, awarded to <span>Cure Kids</span> (NZ research charity). Funds covered all costs pertaining to the study, including research personnel, data collection, patient recruitment and analysis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22792,"journal":{"name":"The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 101763"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145681145","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Winnie Chen , Kirsten Howard , Sarah Norris , Natasha Nassar , Maria E. Craig , Kirstine J. Bell
{"title":"Economic evaluation of potential national childhood screening strategies for type 1 diabetes in Australia","authors":"Winnie Chen , Kirsten Howard , Sarah Norris , Natasha Nassar , Maria E. Craig , Kirstine J. Bell","doi":"10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101755","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101755","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition affecting children. We aimed to investigate the costs and cost-effectiveness of potential national childhood screening strategies for T1D compared to no screening (usual care).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Screening costs were obtained from trial-based estimates. A Markov microsimulation model was developed to identify the most cost-effective childhood T1D screening strategy. The three screening strategies modelled were: Strategy 1) newborn genetic risk-stratification with bloodspot sampling, followed by autoantibody screening in at-risk children; Strategy 2) infant genetic risk-stratification using saliva sampling, followed by autoantibody screening in at-risk children; Strategy 3) population-wide autoantibody screening at two childhood ages. The model tracked 100,000 individuals from birth to 30 years of age. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Newborn bloodspot genetic risk-stratified screening (strategy 1) was the most cost-effective strategy. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were $50,682 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained for strategy 1, $85,440 per QALY gained for strategy 2, and $133,285 per QALY gained for strategy 3. In the optimal strategy (strategy 1), the cost was $480,798 per screen-detected T1D and $12,183 per episode of diabetic ketoacidosis avoided. Results were sensitive to changes in time horizon, discount rates, and cost of the screening tests.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>Of the three modelled T1D screening strategies, newborn bloodspot genetic risk-stratified screening was the most cost-effective. Varying cost inputs may change this hierarchy. Our economic evaluation will be useful for informing future T1D childhood screening policy in Australia and other high-income countries.</div></div><div><h3>Funding</h3><div>JDRF Australia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22792,"journal":{"name":"The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 101755"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145577790","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Michael Jefford , Fiona Crawford-Williams , Carolyn Taylor , Miyako Takahashi , Wendy W.T. Lam , Alexandre Chan , Bogda Koczwara , Yan Lou , Raymond J. Chan
{"title":"Global need, regional action: opportunities to improve cancer survivorship care in the Western Pacific","authors":"Michael Jefford , Fiona Crawford-Williams , Carolyn Taylor , Miyako Takahashi , Wendy W.T. Lam , Alexandre Chan , Bogda Koczwara , Yan Lou , Raymond J. Chan","doi":"10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101748","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101748","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Western Pacific region faces a significant cancer burden with over 12.8 million cancer survivors. Cancer survivorship care remains inconsistent across the region but is important regardless of diversity in healthcare systems and resources within countries. Cultural factors deeply influence survivorship experiences; thus, recognition of the importance of traditional medicine and the role of community-based support in survivorship care is needed. In this viewpoint, we highlight opportunities for regional collaboration to improve cancer survivorship outcomes, and advocate for incorporation of survivorship priorities into national cancer control plans. We call for coordinated action involving international organizations, local governments, and cancer survivor voices to deliver responsive, equitable survivorship care. Education, policy reform, and multinational partnerships are essential to address disparities and improve outcomes across the region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22792,"journal":{"name":"The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 101748"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145486314","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mengji Chen , Clive Tan , Muhamad Noor Alfarizal Kamarudin , Vivek Jason Jayaraj , Premikha M , Muhammad Taufeeq Wahab , Anthony Li , Kidong Park
{"title":"Building AI readiness for health in Southeast Asia","authors":"Mengji Chen , Clive Tan , Muhamad Noor Alfarizal Kamarudin , Vivek Jason Jayaraj , Premikha M , Muhammad Taufeeq Wahab , Anthony Li , Kidong Park","doi":"10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101762","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101762","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":22792,"journal":{"name":"The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 101762"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145615709","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Early performance of a decentralised, primary-care hepatitis C programme in Cambodia: a retrospective programme evaluation, 2024","authors":"Chansovannara Soputhy , Florian Girond , Samley Keo , Kolveasna Kim , Luis Sagaon-Teyssier , Capucine Penicaud , Sovann Ly , Emilie Mosnier","doi":"10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101758","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101758","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Real-world evidence on decentralised, primary-care delivery for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the Western Pacific is limited. We evaluated Cambodia's national, primary care–led HCV programme in 2024.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We analysed facility-level data from 256 health facilities in 15 operational districts to assess six HCV cascade steps: screening, anti-HCV positivity, RNA testing, viraemia, treatment initiation, and treatment completion. Design-based survey estimators were used to estimate proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). To account for multi-stage design (clustering within operational districts), design-based generalised linear models were utilised to assess the factors associated with viraemia, treatment initiation and completion.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>HCV testing coverage among adults (≥18 years; denominator 2,196,351) was 3·5% (95% CI 2·5–4·4). Of 76,512 adults tested, 3213 (4·2%; 95% CI 3·1–5·6) were anti-HCV-positive; 2628/3213 (81·8%) received RNA testing, and 1446/2628 (55·0%; 95% CI 49·5–60·3) were viraemic (1·9% of all tested). Among RNA-positive individuals, 1345/1446 (93·0%) initiated direct-acting antivirals and 1289/1345 (95·8%) completed treatment. Viraemia was higher among men (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1·40; 95% CI 1·05–1·86), varied by province (Takeo aOR 2·79, Kampong Cham aOR 2·11 versus Battambang), and elevated in October–December (Q4; aOR 1·79) versus January–March. Treatment initiation and completion surpassed 90% across facilities. The principal gap was confirmatory testing (18·2% of anti-HCV-positive individuals lacked RNA testing).</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>A decentralised, primary-care model achieved high linkage and treatment completion in the first year. Closing the confirmatory testing gap (reflex RNA/core antigen from same encounter), prioritising low-coverage/high-burden districts, and establishing patient-level linkage to capture sustained virologic response at week 12 are priorities to accelerate elimination.</div></div><div><h3>Funding</h3><div><span>ANRS MIE</span> (<span><span>ANRS0689b</span></span>).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22792,"journal":{"name":"The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 101758"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145615785","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}