Brunei – Health Issues

What are the most common health issues and diseases in Brunei?

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) — encompassing cardiovascular illness and diabetes — are responsible for the greatest number of deaths in the country. This pattern is consistent with what is observed across much of the developed world, where rising living standards have redirected the disease burden away from infections and towards conditions linked to diet and lifestyle. Brunei follows this trajectory clearly, and the trend has grown more pronounced over time.

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) ranks as the single most prevalent illness in Brunei. When last assessed in 2015, approximately 31.2 percent of the population were affected by this condition. IHD reduces blood flow to the heart through the narrowing of the arteries supplying it, and can produce intense chest pain and ultimately result in a heart attack if not managed. Elevated blood pressure, raised cholesterol, and sedentary behaviour are among the primary risk factors driving this burden in Brunei.

Cancer represents another substantial health challenge and stands as the third leading cause of death, responsible for roughly 12% of all fatalities. Breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer are among the most frequently diagnosed forms. In 2019, the five leading causes of cancer-related death among men were cancers of the trachea, bronchus, and lung; rectum and anus cancers; liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancers; prostate cancers; and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Diabetes occupies the third position among causes of death, behind heart disease and cancer. The proportion of the Bruneian population living with diabetes is projected to reach 11.45% by 2025 — a figure notably higher than the global average, reflecting the wider difficulty of diet-related illness throughout the country.

Ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are all widespread yet largely preventable conditions, provided individuals adopt appropriately active and health-conscious lifestyles. Dengue fever is an ongoing public health concern, placing Brunei among the regional countries with some of the highest reported case numbers. Spread through the bite of the Aedes mosquito, the disease can produce debilitating symptoms including high fever, severe headaches, and pronounced joint pain.

Is Brunei considered a healthy country? How do health outcomes compare internationally?

Brunei’s life expectancy at birth stood at approximately 74.6 years as of December 2022, based on World Bank data. While this reflects considerable progress over previous generations — from around 50.6 years in 1950 to approximately 75.5 years by 2024 — it falls somewhat short of the figures recorded across much of Western Europe, where life expectancy commonly ranges between 80 and 83 years.

The World Health Organization defines healthy life expectancy as the average number of years a person can expect to live in a state of full health. In Brunei, this figure stands at 67.1 years. This health-adjusted measure is worth understanding: while overall longevity is respectable, a meaningful share of life is spent managing some form of illness or disability, largely attributable to the chronic disease burden outlined above.

By 2018, overall life expectancy for Bruneians had reached 75 years — a gain of 20 years compared to 1961 — pointing to the substantial strides made over the long term. On balance, Brunei maintains a reasonably strong healthcare infrastructure that delivers access to essential medical services, and its compact geographical size allows for a more personal, community-oriented model of care.

It is worth noting that, as the WHO itself cautions, data on Brunei carries low completeness and/or moderate quality concerns in relation to cause-of-death attribution, which is likely to affect estimated mortality figures by cause. Enhancements to the national vital registration system may further influence trends in cause-specific mortality reporting. For the most current and authoritative information, readers are encouraged to consult the WHO’s Brunei Darussalam country profile and the Brunei Ministry of Health.

What infectious diseases or environmental health risks should expats be aware of in Brunei?

Although Brunei’s high-income status means it does not carry the same infectious disease burden found in some neighbouring countries, certain communicable illnesses remain a genuine concern. Despite Brunei’s industrialised status, insect-borne diseases are still a reality. Dengue fever, transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, is endemic and constitutes one of the most reliable health hazards for both long-term residents and those newly arrived. Mosquito repellent and long-sleeved clothing are sensible daily precautions, especially in the period following rainfall.

Hepatitis B warrants particular attention for those planning longer stays. Measles cases have been climbing in many parts of the world, and the CDC recommends that all international travellers ensure they are fully protected with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine prior to departure. Tuberculosis (TB) also circulates across the broader region; TB bacteria travel through the air when an infected and contagious individual coughs, speaks, or sings, making the risk most acute in crowded or poorly ventilated environments.

Food and water safety standards vary considerably across the globe and can even differ within a single country depending on location and the type of activity undertaken. Tap water in Bandar Seri Begawan is generally treated to an adequate standard, but expats residing in more remote districts — particularly in Temburong or Tutong — are advised to opt for bottled or filtered water and to apply careful food hygiene practices when purchasing from street vendors.

Heat-related illness, including heat stroke, can be life-threatening. Staying well-hydrated, choosing loose and breathable clothing, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day are all important habits in Brunei’s humid tropical conditions. Air quality is typically good across the country, though it can deteriorate during periods of regional haze — most commonly smoke blown in from agricultural burning in neighbouring parts of Indonesian Borneo during the dry season. Expats with asthma or other respiratory conditions should keep a close eye on air quality updates during these episodes.

Before relocating, expats should seek advice on vaccinations from their home country’s travel health authority. Helpful starting points include the US CDC Brunei traveller page and the UK’s Fit for Travel resource. Vaccinations commonly recommended include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, MMR, and tetanus; proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for travellers arriving from countries where the disease is endemic.

Is smoking common in Brunei, and what are the laws around it?

The proportion of the adult population who smoke daily in Brunei Darussalam is estimated at 17.07% as of 2025. This headline figure, however, obscures a dramatic divide along gender lines: the share of male smokers is projected at approximately 30% in 2025, while female smokers account for just 2%. This disparity is deeply rooted in the country’s social and religious norms, with predominantly Muslim values strongly discouraging women from tobacco use.

Public attitudes towards smoking in Brunei are broadly unfavourable, and the habit is increasingly regarded as socially undesirable. Nevertheless, a portion of the population continues to smoke, and these individuals may encounter social disapproval, particularly in professional environments where smoking restrictions are firmly enforced. Expats who smoke should anticipate an atmosphere considerably less permissive towards tobacco use than in many other countries.

Brunei has enacted progressively tighter tobacco control legislation over the years. Smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces, workplaces, and dining venues. The Tobacco Order, reinforced through successive amendments, prohibits tobacco advertising and mandates prominent graphic health warnings on packaging — measures that align closely with frameworks in place in countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom. An estimated 206 people in Brunei die annually from tobacco-related diseases, and the government has cited this toll as compelling justification for its continued tightening of restrictions.

According to 2023 data, e-cigarette use in Brunei stood at 11%, suggesting some decline in consumption. Regulations governing vaping are equally strict; the importation, sale, and use of e-cigarettes are subject to legal restrictions, and expats who rely on such products should check the current regulatory position through official channels, as this area of law continues to develop. Certain prescription medicines may be illegal in Brunei, and expats should liaise with the appropriate embassy to confirm that all medications — including nicotine replacement products — may lawfully be brought into the country.

Is obesity or poor diet a significant health concern in Brunei?

Obesity stands as one of Brunei’s most serious public health challenges, and the trend over recent decades has given cause for concern. Ministry of Health national hospital data revealed a steep climb in obesity prevalence, rising from 12% in 1997 to 27.2% in 2011. By 2016, the figure had edged up further to 28.2% of adults, representing a slight increase on the 2011 figure.

With 7.5% of the population classified as obese by some measures, Brunei records the highest obesity prevalence among ASEAN member states and ranks among the most affected nations across Asia. The problem is not confined to adults: research conducted by the Ministry of Health found that approximately 30% of school-aged children in Brunei are overweight, and a further 20% meet the criteria for obesity. Looking ahead, the share of overweight adults is forecast to climb from 44.3% in 2021 to 47.2% by 2026.

The traditional Bruneian diet centres on rice, noodles, and seafood — staples that can be calorie-dense and high in fat. Heavily sweetened beverages are pervasive, and the Global School-based Student Health Survey 2019 found that around 40% of adolescents in Brunei consumed carbonated soft drinks at least once a day, while only 11.5% engaged in the recommended minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity daily.

Recognising the gravity of this trend, the government has taken concrete measures. RIPAS Hospital’s Obesity Clinic was established in 2006 with the aim of delivering a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to weight management, nutrition, and metabolic health that promotes both psychological and physical wellbeing. More recently, the Ministry of Health sought assistance in developing National Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Obesity in Brunei Darussalam, with a situational analysis planned for 2023, stakeholder consultations in 2024, and the intended release of national guidelines in 2025. For expats, understanding the local food landscape and making deliberate dietary decisions will be central to safeguarding their health over the long term.

What are the mental health attitudes and services like in Brunei?

Mental health continues to be a sensitive and inadequately resourced domain in Brunei, as it is across much of Southeast Asia. Stigma surrounding mental illness is a well-documented barrier to help-seeking: cultural expectations, concerns about family honour, and religious perspectives mean that psychological difficulties are sometimes interpreted through a spiritual rather than a clinical lens, leading many people to avoid formal psychiatric services. Expats — who may already be contending with isolation, cultural adjustment, and distance from established support systems — should be mindful of this context.

According to the WHO Mental Health Atlas 2024, Brunei Darussalam has both a dedicated mental health policy or plan and a standalone mental health law. The existence of this legislative and policy foundation is encouraging relative to countries where mental health considerations are folded into general healthcare legislation. That said, the breadth and accessibility of community-based mental health services remains more restricted than in nations with decades of investment in universal mental health provision, such as those across Western Europe.

The principal facility for inpatient psychiatric care is the psychiatric unit at RIPAS Hospital (Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital) in Bandar Seri Begawan, which also serves as Brunei’s main public hospital. Outpatient counselling and psychiatric consultations are available at this facility. A modest number of private practices offer psychological services, and some expats opt to access mental health support from providers across the border in Malaysia or Singapore, or through online therapy platforms.

Expats facing mental health difficulties are strongly encouraged to reach out for professional support rather than allowing concerns to escalate unchecked. Registering with a general practitioner early — whether through the public system or a private clinic — creates an important first line of contact. Many international health insurance plans incorporate mental health cover, and this provision should be carefully evaluated when selecting a policy before the move.

Are there any health risks specific to expats living in Brunei?

Those relocating to Brunei face a set of health-related adaptations broadly typical of tropical, high-income Southeast Asian settings, but with some characteristics unique to this country. The most immediate physical challenge is the climate: Brunei is hot and intensely humid year-round, with temperatures generally ranging from 23°C to 33°C. Heat-related illness, including heat stroke, can be genuinely dangerous. Drinking plenty of fluids, opting for loose and lightweight clothing, and avoiding vigorous outdoor exertion during the hottest hours of the day are habits that must be established quickly, especially during the first few months of acclimatisation.

Dengue fever is the infectious disease that most reliably affects the expat population. Unlike many other illnesses for which vaccines are widely available, no universally deployed dengue vaccine exists for adult newcomers in Brunei, meaning personal protective measures — applying mosquito repellent, wearing covering clothing at dawn and dusk, and eliminating any sources of standing water around the home — remain the frontline defence. Any unexplained fever, intense headache, or marked joint pain in the weeks following arrival warrants prompt medical evaluation.

Expats who have spent most of their lives in low-hepatitis-B-prevalence countries may have no immunity and should confirm their vaccination status before or soon after arriving. A comprehensive baseline health assessment — covering blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, and BMI — is a sensible precaution for anyone settling in Brunei, given the country’s elevated rates of lifestyle-related disease, and provides a useful benchmark for tracking health over time.

Psychological adaptation is equally worth considering. The cumulative effect of cultural unfamiliarity, severely limited alcohol availability (Brunei enforces strict controls on alcohol under Islamic law), a comparatively smaller expat community than cities such as Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, and potentially sparse social networks can foster feelings of loneliness or low mood, particularly in the initial months. Actively cultivating connections through workplace contacts, expat organisations, and leisure clubs is an important safeguard against social isolation.

Some prescription medications are prohibited in Brunei, and expats should confirm that all their regular medicines may legally be imported before travel. Carrying a sufficient supply for the early settlement period — with some additional stock to account for travel disruptions — is also advisable. Comprehensive international health insurance is strongly recommended, as public health services in Brunei, while reasonably accessible, are designed principally for the resident population and may involve waiting times for specialist care.

Where can expats find reliable health information and services in Brunei?

The foremost official source of health information in Brunei is the Ministry of Health Brunei Darussalam. The Ministry issues public health notices, disease outbreak alerts, vaccination guidelines, and details about healthcare facilities throughout the country. Expats would do well to bookmark this website and review it routinely, particularly for seasonal health advisories such as dengue fever warnings.

For broader international health context, the WHO Brunei Darussalam country profile offers a helpful summary of population health indicators, while the US CDC Brunei traveller health page provides actionable guidance on vaccinations and health precautions. Expats from other countries should additionally consult their own national travel health authority — for example, the UK’s NHS Fit for Travel, Australia’s Smartraveller, or Canada’s Travel Health service — for advice specific to their circumstances.

Within Brunei itself, RIPAS Hospital in Bandar Seri Begawan functions as the country’s primary public referral hospital, offering a wide range of specialist services. Several private clinics and medical centres — particularly in the capital — also cater to the expat community, frequently offering shorter waiting times and staff with experience in treating international patients. JPMC (Jerudong Park Medical Centre) is among the most prominent private hospitals and is a popular choice among expats seeking specialist consultations.

Health statistics, vaccination requirements, and disease guidance are subject to change. Expats are strongly urged to verify all current information with the Brunei Ministry of Health and their home country’s travel health authority both before departure and upon arrival. Where figures in this article carry “as of” qualifiers, official sources should always be consulted for the latest data.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Issues in Brunei

Is healthcare in Brunei free for expats?

Public healthcare in Brunei is heavily subsidised for citizens and permanent residents, but expats are generally required to pay fees when using government hospitals and clinics. While these charges remain relatively affordable compared to fully private healthcare in many other countries, expats are strongly advised to hold comprehensive international health insurance that covers specialist treatment, medical evacuation, and care received at private facilities.

Is dengue fever a serious risk in Brunei?

Dengue fever is a significant health issue in Brunei, and it is one of the countries with the highest number of reported cases in the region. No routinely administered vaccine exists for adult newcomers, making mosquito bite prevention the essential strategy. Expats should apply repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing during dawn and dusk hours, and remove any standing water from around their homes. A fever developing within two weeks of potential mosquito exposure should be assessed by a medical professional without delay.

What vaccinations do I need before moving to Brunei?

Vaccinations commonly recommended for those moving to Brunei include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and tetanus/diphtheria. Rabies vaccination may be appropriate for individuals who will spend considerable time outdoors or working closely with animals. Travellers arriving from countries where yellow fever is endemic may be required to present proof of vaccination. Guidance should always be confirmed with your home country’s travel health authority and the Brunei Ministry of Health prior to departure, as requirements can change.

How common is diabetes in Brunei, and what does that mean for expats?

The proportion of the Bruneian population living with diabetes is projected to reach approximately 11.45% by 2025, establishing it as a major public health concern. For expats, the practical consequence is that the local food environment — characterised by high-sugar beverages, refined carbohydrates, and calorie-rich dishes — can pose challenges to maintaining healthy blood glucose levels. Routine health screenings and informed dietary habits are advisable from the moment of arrival.

Is the air quality in Brunei safe?

Brunei generally enjoys good air quality, aided by its relatively modest industrial base and the dense rainforest that surrounds much of the country. However, during the dry season — typically from June through October — regional haze generated by agricultural burning in parts of Indonesian Borneo can sweep into Brunei and markedly reduce air quality. Expats managing asthma or chronic respiratory conditions, and those with young children, should track air quality indices during these periods and limit prolonged outdoor exposure when levels are elevated.

Are mental health services accessible in Brunei for expats?

Mental health services are available in Brunei, principally through the psychiatric unit at RIPAS Hospital and a limited number of private practitioners. However, the range of services is narrower than in countries with well-established universal mental health systems. Social stigma around mental illness can make open discussion challenging in some contexts. Expats are encouraged to incorporate mental health support into their relocation planning — including selecting an international insurance policy that covers psychological services — and to invest in building a social network early as a buffer against isolation.

Can I bring my prescription medications into Brunei?

Certain prescription drugs are prohibited in Brunei, and expats should contact the relevant embassy to confirm that all their medications are legally permitted before travel. This applies particularly to controlled substances, strong analgesics, psychotropic drugs, and products containing codeine. Medications should be transported in their original labelled packaging, accompanied by a letter from the prescribing doctor. When in any doubt, contact the Brunei Ministry of Health or your country’s embassy in Brunei well in advance of travelling.

How does Brunei’s obesity rate compare to other countries in the region?

Brunei records the highest obesity prevalence among ASEAN nations and ranks among the most affected countries across Asia as a whole. Approximately 15.2% of adult men and 18.2% of adult women are classified as obese, with the overall figure exceeding the regional average. This context carries practical implications for expats: the local food and lifestyle environment may not naturally align with dietary habits developed elsewhere, making deliberate choices about nutrition and physical activity important from the outset.