Author: jezzabellemente

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) — The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) has launched its Antibiotic Allergy Awareness Campaign during its 2025 Congress in Glasgow, marking the start of a global initiative to address mislabelling and its link to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

In a statement, the association said inaccurate antibiotic allergy labels affect millions of patients worldwide, leading to avoidance of first-line treatments and increased reliance on second-line antibiotics, a practice that fuels AMR.

EAACI is calling on stakeholders, including healthcare providers, policymakers and educators, to promote accurate diagnosis and responsible antibiotic use.

“We are launching a movement, not a moment. Too many lives are impacted by unverified allergy labels that limit treatment options and worsen outcomes. Correcting labels means saving lives, now and in the future,” said EAACI president, Prof Maria Torres.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers of incorrect allergy labels, empower patients and healthcare professionals with tools and training, promote evidence-based evaluation protocols and encourage rational antibiotic prescribing.

Outdated, unverified or self-reported allergy labels often reduce treatment options and increase risks, EAACI noted. The campaign seeks to overcome these barriers through education, training and advocacy.

A short educational video and a Promotional Kit 2025 form the backbone of the initiative, offering resources to spread awareness across multiple platforms.

Launched under the slogan “Correct Labels, Better Lives”, the campaign invites professionals, institutions and the public to participate in global efforts to safeguard the long-term effectiveness of antibiotics.

— BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 8 — OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation and the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) have partnered to provide eyeglasses to low vision patients at the SNEC Low Vision Clinic, aligning with Singapore’s SG60 celebrations, which mark the nation’s 60th year of independence and progress.

Under the collaboration, eligible SNEC patients can collect their prescribed eyewear from the Spectacle Hut store at SingHealth Campus, streamlining the process from prescription to pick-up.

According to a statement, the initiative integrates dispensing support into the vision care pathway to address gaps in delivering specialised eyewear to those in need.

OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation Head for Southeast Asia, Japan and Korea, Patricia Koh said this initiative represents a new kind of coordination between clinical care and retail expertise.

“As Singapore celebrates 60 years of progress, we are proud to support solutions that put patients at the centre of our efforts,” she said.

Meanwhile, SNEC Head of Allied Health, Lisa Ong said the collaboration offers greater convenience for low vision patients who may face mobility challenges.

“It is a welcome opportunity for us to enhance our patients’ experience and improve their quality of life by helping them increase reading and near task performance,” said Ong.

The foundation has contributed 600 pairs of eyeglasses, comprising 400 pairs of high-plus reading glasses and 200 pairs of ophthalmic frames for prescription lenses, to increase availability and provide patients with a wider choice.

High-plus reading glasses offer enhanced magnification, enabling patients to perform near tasks such as reading more comfortably and independently.

The initiative aligns with Singapore’s SG60 theme, “Building Our Singapore Together”, and reflects the nation’s leadership in eye care innovation amid rising demand for rehabilitation services.

— BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) — Voxela Inc has announced the official launch of its next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) eldercare solution, “Voxela VCare Pro”, which aims to ease operational burdens for caregivers while elevating safety and quality of life for elderly residents in care facilities.

VCare Pro leverages AI to automate critical tasks such as incident detection, reporting, and monitoring, enabling caregivers to focus more on personalised resident care, according to the company in a statement.

Among its key features is an AI-powered automatic incident reporting system. When incidents such as falls are detected, VCare Pro promptly analyses the situation and generates detailed and accurate reports, minimising the time and effort typically required for manual documentation.

The system also includes the Incident Analytics Dashboard that provides visual data on incident trends and patterns, helping facilities implement preventive measures and reduce recurrence.

A virtual check-in function allows real-time remote wellness monitoring, enabling staff to carry out targeted interventions without the need for frequent room visits—a feature designed to lower stress levels among caregivers.

By reducing indirect care duties and streamlining documentation processes, VCare Pro enables staff to devote more attention to high-priority caregiving responsibilities.

In addition, the system boosts overall operational efficiency by cutting down on physical inspections and on-site verifications, contributing to safer and more responsive care environments.

The solution has already been adopted by a growing number of eldercare facilities and has received strong positive feedback for its practical benefits and measurable impact on service quality.

VCare Pro is part of Voxela’s broader vision to “Make Aging Beautiful” by introducing advanced technologies that address real-world challenges in the eldercare sector.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to continuous innovation aimed at transforming the caregiving industry and supporting the evolving needs of ageing populations.

— BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 (Bernama) — Planet Labs PBC, a provider of daily data and insights about change on Earth, has announced the final agenda and speakers for its upcoming Planet On The Road event in Bali, Indonesia, on Sept 9.

According to a statement, the event will bring together Earth observation leaders and peers for an event focused on learning, networking, and inspiration to discuss key issues and opportunities unique to the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

Keynotes, panel discussions, and fireside chats will feature Planet executives and industry thought leaders, representing industries across agriculture, defence and intelligence, civil government, and more.

Opening keynotes will be delivered by Planet Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Robbie Schingler, and its Chief Revenue Officer, Charlie Candy, while Vice President of Product, Jim Thomason will deliver the product keynote.

Featured sessions will include Dowon Lee of TelePIX, who will speak on the future of AI in space data, and Erna Sri Adiningsih of the National Research and Innovation Agency, who will address the regional impact of Earth observation roles.

A high-level government panel will bring together leaders from Indonesia, Japan, and Singapore to discuss policy perspectives and evolving challenges. The agenda also features fireside chats with SKY Perfect JSAT, DATAYOO, and Creattura alongside industry insights from executives at NGIS Australia, SI Analytics, SUHORA Technologies, and other regional partners.

Sessions will also spotlight practical applications of Planet data, including in-season crop monitoring, methane emission reduction, and satellite imagery insights for governments.

The event will conclude with the Planet Purpose Award, presented by its Chief Customer Officer, Mike Merit, and closing remarks from Charlie Candy.

Registration to attend Planet On The Road in Bali is available until Aug 15.

Planet On The Road: Bali is part of Planet’s global event series aimed at accelerating innovation and collaboration across the Earth observation ecosystem.

— BERNAMA