Vaccines And Paracetamol Not The Cause Of Autism – MOH

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Health (MOH) has denied claims that childhood vaccinations and the use of paracetamol during pregnancy are causes of autism.

Health Director-General Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab said the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a statement yesterday affirming that vaccines do not cause autism, adding that substantial evidence from high-quality studies across various countries consistently proves there is no link between the two.

He said that, according to the WHO, vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives globally over the past 50 years and currently protect communities from over 30 types of infectious diseases.

"Autism is a spectrum of lifelong and persistent brain developmental disorders affecting nearly 62 million people worldwide.

"The exact cause of autism is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to arise from a combination of complex biological, genetic, and environmental factors," he said in a statement today.

Dr Mahathar added that pregnant women experiencing fever or pain may still use paracetamol when necessary, under the advice of doctors or pharmacists.

He said WHO stressed that although numerous studies were conducted over the past decade, there is no strong scientific evidence linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism.

Dr Mahathar added that paracetamol, available under various brands by pharmaceutical companies globally, has been used in medicine for many years and continues to be the most commonly used medication for pain and fever relief in Malaysia, including for pregnant women.

"Based on current medical practice and the latest clinical guidelines, paracetamol is still considered one of the safest options if taken at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest possible duration," he said.

On claims that folinic acid (leucovorin) can treat autism, Dr Mahathar said scientific evidence is still limited to small-scale studies in specific groups.

"Large-scale clinical trials are still required before this drug can be regarded as a safe and effective treatment for autism. For now, it cannot be considered a standard treatment," he said, advising the public not to be easily swayed by claims lacking strong scientific support.

He added that MOH is committed to ensuring that every medicine used in Malaysia is safe and effective, while strengthening the country's vaccine safety monitoring system in line with the latest scientific evidence.

-- BERNAMA