Health dept urges premarital checkupsThe Department of Health has urged couples to undergo medical check-ups before marriage, as early screening can prevent babies from being infected with sexually transmitted diseases. Amporn Benjaponpitak, director-general of the Department of Health, said a healthy family begins with effective health planning, particularly preparation for pregnancy. She said the department has been promoting awareness of the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (EMTCT), focusing on three key diseases: hepatitis B, syphilis and HIV. Hepatitis B remains a major cause of liver cancer and liver cirrhosis, it said. If hepatitis B is detected during pregnancy, newborns will be given hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) immediately after birth to prevent infection.

Source: Bangkok Post February 07, 2026 23:50 UTC