{
  "id": 6655567,
  "title": "Early detection, better outcomes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/early-detection-better-outcomes",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-10T22:11:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/heal/2026/09/1530165/early-detection-better-outcomes"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Malaysia, the prenatal detection rate of critical congenital heart disease (CHD) has been persistently low, with only around 15% of cases identified before birth between 2016 and 2023. This rate is notably lower than in developed countries, where prenatal detection rates surpass 50%, with some centers achieving rates exceeding 80%. This significant disparity underscores the urgent need to enhance early detection of CHD. Detecting CHD early allows medical professionals to plan for pregnancy management, delivery timing and location, and postnatal care preparations. More critically, early diagnosis enables the timely identification of babies requiring urgent cardiac treatment or intervention, facilitating referrals to centers equipped with the necessary expertise and facilities. The recently established Fetal Heart Association (FHA) seeks to bridge maternal-foetal medicine, paediatric cardiology, and other relevant healthcare professionals, fostering collaboration and enhancing care planning for babies with congenital heart disease. FHA president Associate Professor Dr Putri Yubbu emphasizes the importance of this interdisciplinary approach, stating that the association aims to strengthen communication and improve the overall care planning for these babies. The FHA intends to expand its educational, training, and awareness programs to more centers across Malaysia, aiming to enhance healthcare professionals' ability to detect CHD signs during antenatal screenings. Ultimately, the FHA's establishment is anticipated to catalyze improvements in prenatal detection of critical CHD in Malaysia, leading to more coordinated management and better health outcomes for babies and children born with CHD in the country.",
  "summary": "Your browser does not support the audio element.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}