Experiences on the recent developments to tackle related clinical toxinology issues in the region and the strategical plan involving research to complement the clinical services, training for healthcare professionals and community engagement programs will be discussed. This includes
1. identify the past and current issues with clinical management of natural toxins envenoming and poisoning in ASEAN countries.
2. emphasizes the importance of current principles on the clinical management guidelines in ASEAN countries and in adopting safety practices to minimize the risks of morbidity and mortality.
3. sharing some of the efforts, experiences, challenges, and successes of ASEAN Remote Envenomation Consultancy Services (RECS), the Clinical Toxinology Societies (MST, TSI, PTS) & ASEAN Marine animals & Snake Envenoming Management (AMSEM), the Pan ASEAN Antivenom (PAAV) Consortium, IOC WESTPAC Harmful Jellyfish network and the ASEAN Fellowship in Clinical Toxinology (AFCT) initiatives.
Envenoming and Poisoning from naturally occurring toxins is a serious concern in the ASEAN region. This reflects a strong demand for concerted and collaborative efforts in research and clinical toxinology in Malaysia and beyond. MST was established in 1992 and is the sole body in Malaysia that dedicate its purpose on toxin research and clinical toxinology. The number of clinical toxinology related consultation has been increasing every year since the launch of RECS in 2012. This unique clinical service has been adopted in concept and practice by clinicians in ASEAN through the efforts of RECS ASEAN and respective clinical toxinology societies. New development in technology and collaborations across disciplines and countries are needed to meet the demand of clinical toxinology as a subspecialty, and the associated burden in Malaysia and ASEAN. AMSEM initiative has function as a credible reference point for this effort including the formation of the PAAV consortium, Harmful Jellyfish working group and the development of AFCT.