Five Agencies Unite in Singapore to Raise Shingles Awareness

On October 29, 2025, five social service agencies in Singapore launched a groundbreaking community initiative aimed at raising awareness about shingles among seniors and caregivers. Supported by GSK, the movement, titled “Shielding from Shingles,” seeks to educate the public about the health risks associated with shingles and the preventive measures available.

The event took place at The GlassDome in Far East Square and featured a nostalgia-themed gathering that attracted over 100 seniors from various aging centres. Participating agencies included Diabetes Singapore, Lion Befrienders, Presbyterian Community Services, SASCO, and TOUCH Community Services. Local celebrities, including members of the OG Gang—Cynthia Koh, Chen Shu Cheng, Richard Low, and Zhu Hou Ren—also joined the festivities, contributing to a multi-generational atmosphere aimed at facilitating discussions about shingles.

The event featured a panel discussion where a medical expert highlighted the complications that can arise from shingles, particularly for individuals with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease. In Singapore, approximately 21.8% of those aged 60 and older live with diabetes, making awareness of shingles particularly critical. Each year, shingles, known medically as herpes zoster, affects around 30,000 individuals in Singapore. Furthermore, over 90% of people aged 50 and above carry the chickenpox virus, which can reactivate as shingles.

Despite the significant health risks, a local survey conducted by GSK-Ipsos revealed that only one in four seniors had consulted or intended to consult their doctors regarding shingles. This statistic underscores the urgent need for enhanced outreach to bridge the gap between awareness and action.

Cynthia Koh shared her personal experience as a caregiver during a severe shingles episode involving her mother, which resulted in Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. This emotional narrative resonated with many attendees, emphasizing the importance of discussing health issues openly. The OG Gang also contributed to the conversation, sharing their insights on active and healthy aging.

The event included various interactive booths designed to invoke nostalgia while educating seniors about shingles. Activities included a kampong-style coffee shop, an oversized “Shingles and Ladders” board game, and totems simulating shingles pain and scars. These engaging elements aimed to foster conversations about the disease and encourage participants to take proactive steps in safeguarding their health.

The collaborative effort of the five social service agencies demonstrates a commitment to community engagement and health education. Priscilla Gan, Executive Director of Diabetes Singapore, stated, “By engaging seniors through events like this, we hope to encourage more people to speak with their doctors and empower them to take charge of their health.” Similarly, Karen Wee Siew Lin, Executive Director of Lions Befrienders, emphasized the debilitating impact shingles can have on seniors’ joy and independence.

Representatives from the participating agencies, including Seak Poh Leong, Group CEO of SASCO, and James Tan, CEO of TOUCH Community Services, echoed the sentiment that knowledge and community collaboration are essential for empowering seniors to manage their health effectively.

The “Shielding from Shingles” initiative not only highlights the need for increased awareness but also reflects a comprehensive, community-driven approach to health education. By leveraging trusted social networks, expert guidance, and engaging narratives, the movement aims to inspire seniors to take charge of their health and seek preventive measures against shingles.

This initiative underscores the importance of ongoing dialogues surrounding health issues that often go unnoticed, ensuring that older adults are supported in their journey toward a healthier, more informed life.