The Lancet Regional Health Western Pacific in conversation with

Since 2013, South Korea’s National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) has been seeking to recover healthcare costs attributable to tobacco use through a landmark lawsuit against KT&G, PMI Korea, and BAT Korea. Despite the significant policy and legal stakes, South Korea still lacks rigorous estimates of the direct medical costs linked to tobacco use.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Kate Yoo from The World Bank and Prof. Neil Schluger from New York Medical College to understand the current situation of tobacco control in South Korea, including the interesting “Lagged Epidemic” phenomenon, the identified gender disparities, a "Polluter Pays" Framework, and the progress of the ongoing litigation.

"The toll of tobacco: smoking-attributable health spending in South Korea, 2014–2024. National claims evidence for cost recovery" https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanwpc/article/PIIS2666-6065(26)00047-7/fulltext

"NHIS vs. Big Tobacco: South Korea’s pursuit of cost recovery through litigation" https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanwpc/article/PIIS2666-6065(25)00194-4/fulltext

In this episode our senior editor Bhavani nivetha talks to Dr. Kunchok Dorjee, Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine about his new research on comprehensive tuberculosis screening and preventive treatment in congregate settings of India. The conversation covers what inspired this research, the key insights from the study, and how the findings can shape policy for Tuberculosis (TB) elimination in the country. Join us for this special World Tuberculosis Day episode as we explore how TB preventive treatment could play a transformative role in India’s TB elimination efforts.

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In this episode, the editorial team of The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia, reflect on the research published in the journal in 2025. They discuss key scientific publications and population-specific evidence which had potential policy implications for the region. Looking ahead, the team shares their goals for the journal and offers perspectives on what they expect in the regional research landscape for 2026.

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lansea/article/PIIS2772-3682(25)00175-1/fulltext

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lansea/article/PIIS2772-3682(25)00017-4/fulltext

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Male infertility is a major contributor to low birth rates but often receives less attention than female infertility. In this episode, we speak with Dr. David Skerrett-Byrne and Dr. Lee Ashton to discuss determinants of male fertility in the Western Pacific Region.

Click here to read the full article: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanwpc/article/PIIS2666-6065(25)00255-X/fulltext

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The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing a notable decline in birth rates. Drivers are complex and gaps in knowledge exist. This Series published in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific aims to explore the factors contributing to the low birth rate in the region. In today’s episode, we will hear from our authors, Dr. Cuilin Zhang and Dr. Wei-Jun Jean Yeung, on women’s health and female fertility, and the social determinants of low birth rate in the Asia-Pacific region.

Click here to read the full articles:

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanwpc/article/PIIS2666-6065(25)00249-4/fulltext

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanwpc/article/PIIS2666-6065(25)00263-9/fulltext

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Moderate physical activity is known to offer protective benefits against COPD exacerbations, but exposure to air pollution is a well-established risk factor for COPD. In many high-pollution settings, it has been unclear whether engaging in physical exercise is beneficial for COPD outcomes.

 Click here to read the full article

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Today, on World Lymphoma Awareness Day, Professors Yok Lam Kwong, Wee Joo Chng, and Eric Tse join us in this joint episode of The Lancet Haematology and The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific to discuss their recent Series on advances in genomic techniques that have transformed the diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted treatment of mature T-cell and natural killer-cell lymphoma.

Read the Series:

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhae/article/PIIS2352-3026(25)00228-5/?dgcid=buzzsprout_icw_podcast_September_25_lanwpc

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Dr. Thomas Haskell and Dr. Nancy Merridew join The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific to discuss their co-authored paper with Jim Stankovich on bullying, discrimination, and harassment (BDH) among doctors. They highlight the urgent need for a national BDH framework, supported by an independent investigation body, to protect doctors and healthcare professionals and ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care.

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https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanwpc/article/PIIS2666-6065(24)00112-3/fulltext?dgcid=buzzsprout_icw_podcast_September_25_lanwpc

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Tien Yin Wong and Ya Xing Wang join The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific to discuss their research on trends in myopia and high rates of myopia among Chinese children and adolescents, and to share their perspectives on the need for scientific evidence and interventions to prevent and control high myopia in China.

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https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanwpc/article/PIIS2666-6065(25)00114-2/fulltext?dgcid=buzzsprout_icw_podcast_July_25_lanwpc

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This is a joint podcast between The Lancet Rheumatology and The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific with Prof Xue Li. Biologics have become a mainstay of treatment in Rheumatology in Western populations, but in many parts of Asia, especially lower-and-middle-income countries, there remains substantial inequity in access due to differences in availability and affordability.

Read the full article:

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanwpc/article/PIIS2666-6065(22)00121-3/fulltext?dgcid=buzzsprout_icw_podcast_June_25_lanwpc

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