logo
Dzulkefly to lead Malaysian delegation to WHA78 in Geneva

Dzulkefly to lead Malaysian delegation to WHA78 in Geneva

The Sun17-05-2025

PUTRAJAYA: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad will lead the Malaysian delegation to the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78), which begins tomorrow to May 22 in Geneva, Switzerland.
He will table Malaysia's landmark resolution on 'Promoting and Prioritising an Integrated Lung Health Approach' during the WHA78.
' The resolution calls for action to bolster global efforts in preventing, diagnosing, treating, and controlling lung diseases,' the ministry said in a statement today.
Dr Dzulkefly will also deliver the Malaysia's country statement in response to the WHA78 theme of 'One World for Health' and outline the country's strategic health reforms during the assembly's plenary session.
'In Malaysia's capacity as ASEAN Chair, Dr Dzulkefly will also deliver the ASEAN Chair's statement to highlight the associations achievements and regional commitments in health,' the ministry said.
The Health Minister will also host a host a high-level side event titled 'Advancing Universal Health Coverage for Oral Health by 2030', advocating the inclusion of oral health in the global Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) agenda and the upcoming UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs.
Dr Dzulkefly will also participate in several key side events hosted by member countries and stakeholders and is scheduled to meet with his counterparts from other countries like China, Egypt and Iran, among others, to exchange views on issues of mutual interest.
Malaysia's participation in WHA78 reflects the country's proactive role and ongoing commitment to advancing global health and strengthening health diplomacy at both regional and international levels.
'It is also in line with the values of MADANI Malaysia, particularly well-being, sustainability and kindness in fighting for a more just, inclusive and humane health system at the regional and global levels,' the ministry added.
The WHA is held annually and attended by health ministers from member countries of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Raising awareness on polycystic ovarian syndrome
Raising awareness on polycystic ovarian syndrome

The Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Sun

Raising awareness on polycystic ovarian syndrome

PETALING JAYA: Despite affecting between 10% and 12% of Malaysian women of reproductive age, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) often goes undiagnosed for years and is typically only identified when women encounter fertility problems. Universiti Putra Malaysia Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department clinical lecturer and specialist Dr Nurul Iftida Basri said most patients are only diagnosed three to five years after the onset of symptoms, noting a growing number of cases among girls aged under 20, driven by obesity rates. She said PCOS is a condition that disrupts normal ovarian function, leading to hormonal imbalances that interfere with ovulation, causing irregular menstrual cycles or, in some cases, amenorrhoea, in which menstruation ceases for over six months. 'Many patients only see a general practitioner once for menstrual issues. 'Diagnosis requires a pattern observed over time. One visit is not enough. That is why detection is often delayed.' She said women with the condition face a heightened risk of developing type-two diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. Many are also overweight or obese, exacerbating physical and psychological burdens. 'They often suffer from excessive hair growth and acne, which could impact self-esteem and lead to depression or stress.' Among the most distressing effects of PCOS is infertility as hormonal imbalances disrupt ovulation, significantly lowering a woman's chances of conceiving. 'They also tend to have poorer quality oocytes (eggs) compared with their peers,' she added. While treatment options, such as hormone therapy, ovulation-inducing injections and in vitro fertilisation (IVF), are available through public healthcare, long waiting times remain a major barrier. 'Treatment is affordable within government hospitals but assisted reproductive services, such as IVF, could take years,' she said. 'For menstrual regulation, the cost is usually reasonable.' The emotional impact of PCOS is also often underestimated. 'Although some women are not immediately troubled by irregular periods, the issue becomes more pressing when fertility is affected. For married couples, it is a source of stress and emotional instability.' Nurul Iftida said mental health support in PCOS care remains limited and understanding is low despite menstrual health education. 'Schools talk about periods and hygiene but not PCOS. We need more awareness so that women seek treatment early.' She said financial access is another hurdle because many PCOS-related treatments are not subsidised under national healthcare schemes. 'We need policies that offer financial support for long-term management, especially since PCOS is not curable, only manageable.' She also said the conversation around hormonal contraceptives is nuanced. 'While many women use them for non-contraceptive benefits, such as acne treatment or menstrual regulation, unsupervised use could carry serious risks. 'Improper use, especially without medical supervision, could result in serious side effects, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. 'Users should have annual reviews with a medical practitioner.' She clarified that combined oral contraceptive pills (COCP) are a standard part of PCOS treatment and are safe when used properly. 'It is not harmful to start and stop them with proper guidance. They do not cause irregular cycles if taken appropriately,' she said. 'However, excessive use of emergency contraception, such as the morning-after pill, could disrupt menstrual patterns and complicate the diagnosis of other reproductive disorders.' Nurul Iftida called for a broader shift in Malaysia's approach to PCOS from clinical and public health perspectives. 'Medical treatment alone will not work. Women must be supported in making lifestyle changes, such as improving diet, exercising and managing weight, for treatment to be effective.' She urged policymakers to treat PCOS with greater urgency, and expand insurance coverage and government subsidies for its management.

11 Malaysian pilgrims have died in the Holy Land so far this haj season
11 Malaysian pilgrims have died in the Holy Land so far this haj season

New Straits Times

timean hour ago

  • New Straits Times

11 Malaysian pilgrims have died in the Holy Land so far this haj season

MAKKAH: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, said Malaysia has recorded 11 deaths among its pilgrims in the Holy Land so far during the 1446H/2025M haj season. The latest was Jamaliah Masron, who died at the Emergency Clinic in the Abraj Al Janadriyah Building here on Monday due to a heart attack. The 68-year-old, from Kota Tinggi, Johor, died at 6.05pm local time. "The government and Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) expressed their sadness over the death of the pilgrims concerned. TH made all the necessary funeral arrangements, including for the funeral prayers at the Grand Mosque and burial in the Holy Land of Makkah," he said in a statement here. He said the next of kin of the deceased in Malaysia had also been informed about the death of their loved ones by TH. "We would like to express our condolences to the families of all the deceased and pray that their souls may be blessed and placed among the righteous," he added. So far, 10 cases of Malaysian pilgrims who died in Makkah have been confirmed to have been caused by heart attacks, while another was due to a bacterial infection and organ failure. – BERNAMA

11 Malaysian pilgrims have died in the Holy Land so far this haj season
11 Malaysian pilgrims have died in the Holy Land so far this haj season

The Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Sun

11 Malaysian pilgrims have died in the Holy Land so far this haj season

MAKKAH: Malaysian pilgrim Jamaliah Masron died at the Emergency Clinic at Abraj Al Janadriyah Building here on June 9 due to a heart attack. The 68-year-old woman, from Kota Tinggi, Johor, breathed her last at 6.05 pm local time. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said Malaysia recorded 11 deaths so far of its pilgrims in the Holy Land during this 1446H/2025M haj season. 'The Malaysian government and the Pilgrims Fund Board (TH) expressed their sadness over the death of the pilgrims concerned. TH made all the necessary funeral arrangements, including for the funeral prayers at the Grand Mosque and burial in the Holy Land of Makkah,' he said in a statement here. He said the next of kin of the deceased in Malaysia had also been informed about the death of their loved ones by TH. 'We would like to express our condolences to the families of all the deceased and pray that their souls may be blessed and placed among the righteous,' he added. So far, 10 cases of Malaysian pilgrims who died in Makkah have been confirmed to have been caused by heart attacks, while another was due to a bacterial infection and organ failure.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store