KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has emphasised the importance of guaranteeing unobstructed access to humanitarian aid amidst a progressively unstable geopolitical environment.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that, under the theme "Reshaping Global Health: A Shared Responsibility," Malaysia urges all nations to uphold humanitarian principles and honour humanitarian law.
"Protecting health workers, infrastructure, and civilians must transcend political division. Medical and health supply chains must remain open and reliable, particularly during times of crisis.
"When health is politicised, worst still, weaponised, the most vulnerable pay the highest price," he said in Malaysia's remarks at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
The assembly runs from May 18 to 23.
He said Malaysia also expressed appreciation for the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO)'s report, highlighting the organisation's continued efforts to stabilise health systems and bridge global health gaps.
On the domestic front, Dzulkefly said the Health Reforms, a Government initiative, are transforming Malaysia's healthcare system by expanding community-based care and accelerating digitalisation.
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He said the reforms prioritise tackling non-communicable diseases and mental health through a "5S" strategic approach targeting sugar, smoke, salt, stigma, and sedentary lifestyles.
This is supported by the National Blueprint for Behavioural Insights, which uses evidence-based psychology to refine public health interventions.
"Furthermore, our Lung Health initiative has unified care pathways for tuberculosis, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and lung cancer. By deploying AI-assisted screening nationwide, we are shifting from "sick-care" to proactive early detection and treatment.
"We invite Member States to emulate this integrated model to achieve tangible national gains," he added.
In closing, he reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to supporting a WHO that is agile, accountable and future-ready, while strengthening the global health architecture towards a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future for all. – Bernama
