By Amanda L
KUCHING, Apr 22: Kuching will host the Asia Pacific Regional Conference (APRC) 2028 of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease from March 23 to 26, 2028 bringing together about 1,000 policymakers, healthcare professionals and researchers from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss strategies on tuberculosis (TB) and lung disease.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the event marks the second time Malaysia has secured the hosting rights, following its previous edition in Kuala Lumpur.
“This is the second time Malaysia has won the bid. The first was in Kuala Lumpur, and now it will be held in Kuching,” he said during a press conference at Wisma Bapa Malaysia today.
He said beyond its international profile, the conference is expected to generate an estimated RM8.2 million in economic impact. However, he stressed that its greater value lies in strengthening tuberculosis control and prevention efforts.
“Through conferences like this, we bring together expertise from around the world. It is not just about economic benefits, but about strengthening what we need to do for tuberculosis,” he said.
Dr Sim said TB remains a continuing challenge in Sarawak, particularly in rural and interior areas due to the State’s vast geographical landscape. Nevertheless, he noted that treatment compliance in Sarawak remains strong.
He added that international conferences play an important role in bridging global expertise with local healthcare realities, allowing specialists to engage directly with practitioners on the ground and propose practical improvements.
“When experts come here and see the situation on the ground, they can suggest ways to improve. This helps us move forward, even if we do not yet have all the resources needed to eliminate TB,” he said.
Building on this, he said Sarawak is strengthening its healthcare approach by shifting emphasis beyond disease control towards prevention, particularly for tuberculosis (TB) and other lung diseases, adding that conferences like this help chart the State’s roadmap for the next 10 years as it moves towards a more preventive healthcare system. — DayakDaily
