Despite the progress, Singapore must take advantage of the opportunity to become a leading country in prevention.
Thanks to modern medicine, people live longer. The diseases that once caused pain and even death, such as smallpox and polio, have now been eradicated or controlled due to advances in vaccines, antibiotics and medical technology. However, as life spans increase, health care needs become more complex as the burden of chronic disease increases. This is especially true in Singapore, where the aging population is growing rapidly.
By 2030, nearly 25% of the population will reach 65% or more than the current 14%. As the age grows, older people are more susceptible to infectious and chronic diseases as they become weaker, resulting in increased health care costs in the country.
Transition from response therapy to prevention
The challenge is that the healthcare system prioritizes treatment over prevention, with only 2.7% of healthcare spending on prevention. The consequences are that many people sign and blend with diseases that could have been prevented, and individuals, families and health care systems must bear the burden of these consequences. Investment prevention can improve health and is often cost-effective for economies, as investments per dollar spent on improving health can generate twice to four times the economic return. This clearly shows that moving from a treatment-oriented system to preventive care can have positive health and economic impacts.
A Singaporean caregiver shared how her older mother was hospitalized due to a preventable vaccine–the challenge goes beyond the disease itself–it was a sleepless night, constant worry and destruction of daily life… Financial stress is as overwhelming as emotional people. The bills of hospitals, the costs of medications, and the possibility of long-term care will soon add up, allowing families to drain financially outside of the stress of caring for loved ones.” Singapore’s Health Minister Ong Ye Kung stressed the transfer of the country’s health care system, “focusing on preventive care rather than therapeutic care, emphasizing health rather than disease, transferring the gravity of care to the hospital.”
Despite the progress, Singapore must take advantage of the opportunity to become a leading country in prevention.
Adult immunity is essential for prevention-centric healthcare systems
Although Singaporeans are familiar with the National Child Immunization Program, awareness of the National Adult Immunization Program remains low. This is reflected in the country’s pneumococcal vaccination, 35% of adults aged 65-74 in 2023, and more than 90% of children in 2022. As of June 2024, as of June 2024, only 15% of older people aged 60 or older had received inocovid-19 transactions with covid-19 than four doses. As a result, millions of adults are vulnerable to preventable vaccine-based diseases, increasing hospitalization and medical complications.
Just as a healthy diet and exercise can improve health, adult immunity can reduce common but high-debt diseases such as flu, respiratory viruses, shingles and pneumonia, which can severely affect older people. Immunity throughout life not only prevents 35 to 5 million deaths worldwide, but also reduces health care and socioeconomic costs. The UK-based Office of Health Economics found that every dollar invested in adult immunization programs can generate up to 19 times in socio-economic returns.
Through adult immunity becomes the path forward for prevention rates in the country
Singapore has begun to move towards a prevention-first mindset with initiatives like healthier SG, a program that encourages healthy habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet and good sleep. But the journey doesn't stop there. Since certain diseases are preventable, policies in HSG must continue to develop to provide an additional layer of protection to adults. Strengthening the current adult immunization program is a cost-effective step for Singapore to become a prevention-first country.
Prevention-first mentality also needs to be precautionary priorities, including collective action by individuals and organizations. Educators, business owners and healthcare workers all play a role in promoting health and well-being. Change begins with everyone choosing a preventive response, resulting in a ripple effect that benefits the community, society and government. Ongoing research and innovation are also critical to respond to emerging health threats and support healthy aging. Investing in new vaccines and prevention technologies will help Singaporeans stay active, healthy and engaged.
The benefits of transferring to prevention-first health care (including adult immunity) are obvious – reducing the occurrence of disease, hospitalization and health care costs while increasing quality of life. If Singapore even reaches a 10-20% increase in adult immunity rates, it could unlock resources in other key areas such as chronic disease management and long-term care. By prioritizing adult immunity and achieving policies, Singapore can lead preventive health care, ensuring healthier lives and a more sustainable healthcare system for the future.
