Allergic Diseases A Major Health Problem In Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) -- Allergic diseases which afflict about 250 million people worldwide have become a major health problem in Malaysia, according to the Malaysian Society of Allergy and Immunology (MSAI).
Society president Associate Professor Dr Ranbir Kaulsay said Friday that the ailment was regarded as not very important in the past.
"However, it is now regarded as one of the major illnesses adversely affecting our society in terms of economic burden and quality of health," he said in a statement to announce the holding of the first Malaysian Allergy Day on Sunday at Hilton Hotel here.
The event is part of the activities of the World Allergy Organisation which annually organises a World Allergy Day focusing on the prevention of allergies and allergic asthma.
Those interested to attend the event, which is free and open to the public, can visit www.worldallergy.org/wad2005 for more information.