The Sixth Microecology and Health Academic Symposium of China Medicine Education Association (CMEA) was successfully held from July 3 to 6, 2025, in Ji’an, Jiangxi Province. With the theme of “Innovation, Leadership, Cooperation, and Development”, the symposium focused on the interaction and control mechanisms of microecology and hosts, as well as their applications in promoting health and preventing diseases. The event aimed to promote basic research, clinical translation, and industrial integration in the field of microecology. The symposium was organized by the CMEA and its Microecology and Health Professional Committee, and attracted over 4 000 experts, scholars, and young researchers from universities, research institutions, medical institutions, and enterprises, both online and offline. The conference featured in-depth discussions on topics such as the mechanisms of microbe-host interactions, the role of the microbiome in chronic disease prevention, and microbe-based intervention strategies. Attendees emphasized the pivotal role of microbe-host interactions in achieving personalized medicine and precision health. The conference highlighted the intricate network of microbe-host communication, which not only expands the boundaries of basic life science theory but also offers new insights into chronic disease prevention, nutritional interventions, and public health strategies. Lastly, Professor Chunling Xiao, the Chairman, delivered the Jinggangshan Declaration, urging the strengthening of interdisciplinary collaboration and the translation of microecological research results into practical applications to support the “Healthy China” initiative.

Invasive fungal infections are a major, yet under-recognized, global health threat, accounting for an estimated 1.6–1.7 million deaths annually–on par with tuberculosis and surpassing many neglected tropical diseases. The disproportionate burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is compounded by poor diagnostic capacity, outdated treatment options, and lack of access to novel antifungals. This review provides a critical analysis of newly approved and late-stage antifungal agents, evaluates their clinical profiles and regulatory progress, and explores the systemic barriers to affordability and accessibility in LMICs. A narrative review approach was employed, drawing on literature from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and policy databases between 2018 and 2025. The review integrates clinical trial data, pharmacoeconomic assessments, and global access policies, with a focus on seven agents: ibrexafungerp, rezafungin, fosmanogepix, olorofim, oteseconazole, opelconazole, and MAT2203. While these agents represent significant therapeutic advances–targeting drug–resistant Candida auris, azole–resistant Aspergillus, and rare molds–barriers remain formidable. High prices driven by orphan drug status, patent protections, limited registration in LMICs, inadequate fungal diagnostics, and supply chain inequities obstruct access. Strategic interventions are needed, including tiered pricing, pooled procurement, inclusion of antifungals on the WHO Essential Medicines List, and public–private models with access clauses. Furthermore, decentralized trials, local manufacturing, and diagnostic innovation will be essential to align antifungal R&D with global health equity goals. Novel antifungal agents offer transformative potential for managing invasive fungal infections, but without coordinated policy, financing, and access initiatives, LMICs will continue to face unacceptable treatment gaps. Bridging innovation and implementation must become a core global health priority.

Heat-related illnesses (HRI) represent a growing occupational health challenge in the Asia-Pacific region, where an estimated 74.7% of workers are exposed to occupational heat stress. Workers in agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and outdoor service industries experience conditions ranging from heat cramps to fatal heat stroke. This narrative review examines current evidence on the epidemiology, physiological mechanisms, and prevention strategies of occupational HRI across Asia-Pacific countries. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL databases for studies published between 2020 and 2025. Regional surveillance reveals 53 061 reported cases of occupational HRI in China, with an approximately 21% increase in risk for each 1 °C rise in ambient temperature. In India, up to 84% of workers report adverse health outcomes when workplace heat exposure exceeds recommended temperature thresholds. Climate projections indicate continued temperature increases across the region, with economic losses projected to reach approximately USD 2.4 trillion annually by 2030. South Asia alone is expected to lose 5% of working hours, equivalent to 43 million jobs. Evidence-based prevention strategies include the application of Wet Bulb Globe Temperature-based exposure limits (ranging from 25 °C to 31 °C depending on work intensity), structured 7-14 day acclimatization programs, and mandatory work-rest schedules. Policy frameworks vary substantially. While countries such as Singapore and Qatar have established legally binding protections, most informal-sector workers remain unprotected. Chronic health consequences including heat-associated kidney disease affect up to 42% of workers in some agricultural communities. Understanding and implementing effective occupational heat prevention strategies is increasingly critical as climate change continues to threaten worker health, labor productivity, and sustainable economic development in the Asia-Pacific region.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignancy among women worldwide, with persistent high-risk HPV infection as its necessary cause. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set the “90-70-90” targets for 2030 to accelerate cervical cancer elimination. Given China’s large population, progress in vaccine accessibility, coverage, and long-term protection will have a major impact on global control efforts. Despite advances in vaccine development, approval, and policy innovation, challenges remain, including uneven coverage, limited long-term follow-up, low male vaccination uptake, and financial sustainability. This review synthesizes evidence on vaccine development, clinical evaluation landscape, policy practice, and HPV vaccination coverage in China to identify key barriers to implementation and outline strategic directions for achieving sustainable high coverage. It aims to inform the design of a unified national immunization program in China and provide lessons for cervical cancer prevention in other low- and middle-income countries.

Objective: To assess national trends and the burden of animal bites in Nepal from 2014 to 2024, and estimate their impact using national surveillance data.
Methods: We analyzed national Annual Health Reports from 2014 to 2024. Descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlations, and trend analyses were performed. Negative binomial regression modeled deaths due to overdispersion in count data.
Results: An annual mean of 59 715 dog bites and 5 706 other animal bites were reported, with a mean of 275 848 anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) vials consumed and a mean of 17 deaths annually. Reported dog bite counts increased steadily over the study period, with an average annual rise of approximately 12 600 cases. Mortality varied across years and did not show a direct proportional relationship with dog bite volume. Spearman's correlation indicated only a partial correlation between reported bites and ARV consumption, suggesting a disconnect between exposure incidence and vaccine utilization.
Conclusions: Dog bites account for the majority of cases, but other species may drive mortality. Strengthened One Health surveillance, equitable ARV distribution, and regional collaboration are required to meet rabies elimination goals.

Objective: To ascertain the microbial landscape of uropathogenic non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) and their antimicrobial susceptibility profile in an Indian tertiary care hospital setting.
Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted from May to October 2024, at a tertiary care hospital in India. Urine specimens were processed and bacterial identification was performed as per standard protocol. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute guidelines. The etiological and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the uropathogenic NFGNB isolates were retrieved from laboratory records and analyzed.
Results: Among the 24 286 urine specimens received during the study period, 12.3% (2 992/24 286) showed significant bacteriuria, of which 5.7% (171/2 992) were identified as NFGNB. The predominant NFGNB was Acinetobacter spp. (48.5%) followed by Pseudomonas spp. (48.0%, 82/171), with Acinetobacter baumannii being the most common NFGNB (42.1%, 72/171) isolated. Acinetobacter baumannii exhibited significantly lower susceptibility to carbapenems (38.9%–44.4%) compared to Pseudomonas aeruginosa (69.6%–75.4%) (P=0.001). Among the NFGNB, 56.5% were multidrug-resistant, 34.1% extensively drug-resistant and 15.9% pandrug-resistant. Multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant rates were significantly higher in Acinetobacter species than in Pseudomonas species (P=0.001 and P=0.002, respectively) with inpatient isolates showing significantly lower antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.
Conclusions: The high prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains of uropathogenic NFGNB, especially in hospitalized patients, underscores the need for strengthened infection prevention and control practices and continuous ongoing surveillance activities to gain a more comprehensive understanding and improve clinical outcomes.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of malaria and tuberculosis (TB) coinfection among bacteriologically confirmed TB patients attending treatment clinics in Lagos, Nigeria, and to identify associated risks or protective factors.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five TB treatment clinics in Lagos. All participants had bacteriologically confirmed TB. Malaria infection was diagnosed by examination of Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood smears under light microscopy. Data on demographics, medical history, and use of vector control tools (e.g., insecticide sprays, insecticide-treated bed nets, chemoprophylaxis) were collected using interviewer-administered pre-tested structured questionnaires.
Results: Out of 446 TB patients, 261 (58.5%) were male, with a mean age of 35.8±13.4 years; 84.1% were HIV-negative. Malaria/TB coinfection was observed in 2.2% (10/446), among newly diagnosed (anti-TB drug naïve), and mostly in patients aged 25–34 years. Only Plasmodium falciparum was detected. The use of indoor insecticide spray was significantly associated with reduced malaria/TB coinfection risk with users less likely to be infected than non-users (P=0.04; OR=0.26; 95%CI: 0.07–0.94).
Conclusions: Malaria coinfection was relatively uncommon in TB patients in Lagos, but when present it occurred in newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve individuals. Indoor insecticide spraying was protective against malaria in TB patients. These findings may suggest the potential value of integrating vector control strategies into TB care programs in malaria-endemic settings.