Latest Highlights

15 Jan 2019

Ten threats to global health in 2019
The world is facing multiple health challenges. These range from outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and diphtheria, increasing reports of drug-resistant pathogens, growing rates of obesity and physical inactivity to the health impacts of environmental pollution and climate change and multiple humanitarian crises. To address these and other threats, 2019 sees the start of the World Health Organization’s new 5-year strategic plan – the 13th General Programme of Work. This plan focuses on a triple billion target: ensuring 1 billion more people benefit from access to universal health coverage, 1 billion more people are protected from health emergencies and 1 billion more people enjoy better health and well-being. Reaching this goal will require addressing the threats to health from a variety of angles.

14 Dec 2018

WHO establishing expert panel to develop global standards for governance and oversight of human gene editing
WHO is establishing a global multi-disciplinary expert panel to examine the scientific, ethical, social and legal challenges associated with human gene editing (both somatic and germ cell). The panel will review the current literature on the state of the research and its applications, and societal attitudes towards the different uses of this technology. WHO will then receive advice from the panel on appropriate oversight and governance mechanisms, both at the national and global level. Core to this work will be understanding how to promote transparency and trustworthy practices and how to ensure appropriate risk/benefit assessments are performed prior to any decision on authorization.

SMA's International Involvement

Singapore Medical Association is the representative national medical association of Singapore and has membership in the World Medical Association (WMA), the Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania (CMAAO), and the Medical Association of SE Asian Nations (MASEAN).

Through our membership in these organisations, we seek to advance healthcare in Singapore and beyond our shores as we share perspectives and experiences through formal and informal forums.

For doctors in Singapore who are planning to practice overseas in the short or long term, SMA can assist in providing connections with the corresponding national medical association so that you can stay in touch with Singapore, as well as find support in your intended country of practice.