Promoting healthier lifestyles in Malaysia

 

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, cancers and asthma, have been steadily increasing in Malaysia, posing a substantial threat to the population's health and the country's economic prosperity. The financial burden of managing NCDs is significant, with costs in 2021 amounting to approximately 4.2% of the national GDP.

Last week, a pivotal workshop was held in Kuala Lumpur to tackle the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in Malaysia. The World Health Organization (WHO) Representative Office for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, brought together 57 participants from various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to explore opportunities to strengthen community empowerment in addressing the increasing burden of NCDs through community based and community owned interventions in Malaysia.

^{Participants of the workshop, demonstrating the diverse representation from different CSOs committed to combating NCDs in Malaysia}

Empowering communities through civil society engagement

The workshop drew from the recommendations of a recently launched investment case on NCDs’ Prevention and Control of NCDs in Malaysia: The Case for Investment emphasizes the need for meaningful community engagement and a bottom-up approach to tackling NCDs.

^{Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe highlighting the urgent need for community-driven strategies to tackle noncommunicable diseases in Malaysia}

Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore, stressed the importance of strategic investments in NCDs prevention, "Findings in the report highlight the escalating burden of noncommunicable diseases in Malaysia which demands immediate and strategic action. This workshop is not just timely but essential. By mobilizing civil society organizations, we can harness the power of community engagement to implement effective prevention and control measures, that are owned and managed by communities.”

^{Participants engaged in discussions to brainstorm solutions to real-world community challenges}

Participants were inspired by examples of successful initiatives from other countries, which showcased the power of collective action. Ms. Angelyn, a health communicator from a local CSO shared her thoughts, “The workshop is a great avenue for the exchange of ideas and experiences because I am only from one field and working in communications, you need to involve other fields as well. It is an opportunity to hear what other people are working on, what they plan to work on and to build on my current work.”

^{Participants share resources and tools that can be utilized to enhance community engagement and NCD prevention efforts}

The workshop also focused on behavioural change techniques to increase the impact of interventions. Ms. Arissa Jemaima, Caseworker from Doctors on Ground, highlighted: “It is difficult when you work with certain communities to address healthier lifestyle, you must address many other base issues. With conversations like these, with so many NGOs and organisations that have worked on this a long time, it is essential to lay down the framework to figure out what we can do to encourage and alleviate their issues towards healthy living. Implementing healthier lifestyles requires long-term commitment. These workshops are important because it lets us see that resources exist and we need to tap in to them.”

Inspiring collective action

This workshop served as a pivotal moment leading up to the Second General Meeting of the Global Coordination Mechanism on NCDs (GCM/NCD), set to take place at WHO headquarters in Geneva in April. The meeting will unite global civil society organizations and partners to propose actionable recommendations for accelerating multisectoral and multistakeholder responses to NCDs and mental health conditions. The UN NCD Task Force reaffirmed its support for similar initiatives, pledging to collaborate with Malaysia’s Ministry of Health and the WHO Country Office to further implement the recommendations of the NCDs investment case.

The workshop underscored the importance of collective grassroot level action in combating NCDs. By working together, CSOs can play a crucial role in promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing the burden of NCDs in Malaysia. The event highlighted the need for continued collaboration and innovative approaches to create a healthier future for all Malaysians. It also sets a precedent for other member nations to follow, showcasing the strong and unique approach by Malaysia towards tackling NCDs ahead of the 4^th High-level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of NCDs in September 2025.

Be part of the change: promote healthier lifestyles

Join us in the fight against noncommunicable diseases! Whether you are part of a civil society organization, a community leader or an individual passionate about health, your involvement is crucial. Let's work together to promote healthier lifestyles and create a brighter, healthier future for all Malaysians.

Get involved today by reaching out to your local CSOs or to WHO for more information on how you can contribute.

Stay connected! Follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates and exciting opportunities. 

 

     

@WHOMalaysia