Latest news with #NationalLungHealthInitiative
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Malaysia on track to be smoke free by 2040, says health minister
CYBERJAYA: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad remains confident that the country is on track to achieving its vision of a Smoke Free Malaysia by 2040. He said the ambitious goal could only be realised through shared commitment and by upholding policies that prioritise public health and well-being. The ministry, he added, is reinforcing its commitment to the smoke-free agenda with the launch of the National Lung Health Initiative 2025–2030. "Among our major milestones is the successful adoption of the Malaysia Lung Health Resolution, which was endorsed at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva. "This resolution is set to be adopted globally through the World Health Organisation (WHO). "As we look ahead, the Health Ministry remains steadfast in its mission to realise a Smoke Free Malaysia by 2040. "That vision can only be achieved through collective responsibility and by standing firm on policies rooted in the public interest," he said. Dzulkefly said this at the launch of the National Tobacco Control Conference (NTCC) held at the University of Cyberjaya today. He said, through a whole-of-nation approach involving all age groups and sectors, the ministry was optimistic that Malaysia's goal of becoming a smoke-free nation by 2040 can be successfully achieved. "For years, our dedicated teams have engaged, collaborated, and worked hand-in-hand with fellow government agencies, non-governmental organisations, international partners, academic institutions, and community leaders in a truly whole-of-nation and whole-of-society approach. "Together, we have advanced policies, campaigns, and reforms grounded in evidence, compassion, and the national interest," he said. At the same event, Dzulkefly also unveiled the official mascot, Pak Lung, symbolising strength, unity, and the collective fight against smoking. He said 100 mascots would be placed at strategic locations nationwide, not only to raise awareness about lung health, but also to promote the conservation of the Malayan tiger and the environment. "This is a moral fight. A national fight. A fight for our children. But the Health Ministry cannot win this fight alone. "We need all hands on deck — teachers, doctors, parents, advocates, religious leaders, researchers, and policymakers. "This is a national movement grounded in science, compassion, faith and unity," he said.
Barnama
21-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
PAVAC Intensifies Efforts To Promote Lung Health Through NLHI
KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 (Bernama) -- Parents Against Vape and Cigarette Kuala Lumpur (PAVAC) is stepping up efforts to support the National Lung Health Initiative (NLHI) by raising awareness and promoting respiratory health education among Malaysians. PAVAC founder Rashdan Rashid said the initiative focuses on two key groups - students and parents, through advocacy and educational programmes conducted in schools, higher learning institutions, and local communities. 'These programmes adopt a sustainable and preventive approach, incorporating healthy lifestyle education alongside arts, sports, and environmental activities to make the message more engaging for young people. 'We want the public to understand the importance of lung health, as respiratory illnesses are now affecting not just the elderly but also children as young as those in primary school,' he said on Bernama Radio's Jendela Fikir programme today. Rashdan said PAVAC also provides a platform for parents to participate as community volunteers, supported by experts from Universiti Malaya and Universiti Putra Malaysia. This is in line with the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2013–2025, which emphasises holistic child development. Rashdan explained that the NLHI, introduced by the Ministry of Health (MOH), aims to empower Malaysians through prevention, education, and early detection of respiratory diseases. 'Established last year under the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam), PAVAC not only focuses on drug prevention education but also helps promote NLHI's objectives. 'What sets NLHI apart is its comprehensive strategy. It goes beyond awareness by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI), active community participation, and strong public policy support,' he said. A major upcoming event under NLHI is the National Tobacco Control Conference 2025, to be held from May 30 to June 1 at Universiti Cyberjaya in conjunction with World No Tobacco Day on May 31.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Malaysia harnesses AI in lung health drive
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is turning to artificial intelligence to boost early detection of lung disease, deploying AI-powered X-ray screenings at seven primary care facilities as part of a national strategy to improve outcomes. In a Facebook post, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the screenings are a key element of the National Lung Health Initiative 2025–2030, which focuses on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. Speaking at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) in Geneva today, Dzulkefly shared a case where AI screening detected early-stage lung cancer in a symptom-free 67-year-old patient, allowing for swift surgical intervention. 'This reflects the efficiency and accuracy of such technology when properly utilised,' he said during a roundtable on global lung health. The session, titled 'Beyond the Resolution: A Global Perspective on Opportunities and Challenges for Lung Health', also featured World Health Organisation cancer control technical lead Dr André Ilbawi and Union for International Cancer Control president Ulrika Arehed Kagstrom. Malaysia is expected to present a Lung Health Resolution at the assembly, co-sponsored by 14 countries, calling for increased global investment and equitable access to treatment. WHA78 runs from May 19 to 27 at the Palais des Nations, convening global health leaders to shape international policy.
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Malaysia harnesses AI in lung health drive
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is turning to artificial intelligence to boost early detection of lung disease, deploying AI-powered X-ray screenings at seven primary care facilities as part of a national strategy to improve outcomes. In a Facebook post, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the screenings are a key element of the National Lung Health Initiative 2025–2030, which focuses on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. Speaking at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) in Geneva today, Dzulkefly shared a case where AI screening detected early-stage lung cancer in a symptom-free 67-year-old patient, allowing for swift surgical intervention. "This reflects the efficiency and accuracy of such technology when properly utilised," he said during a roundtable on global lung health. The session, titled 'Beyond the Resolution: A Global Perspective on Opportunities and Challenges for Lung Health', also featured World Health Organisation cancer control technical lead Dr André Ilbawi and Union for International Cancer Control president Ulrika Arehed Kagstrom. Malaysia is expected to present a Lung Health Resolution at the assembly, co-sponsored by 14 countries, calling for increased global investment and equitable access to treatment. WHA78 runs from May 19 to 27 at the Palais des Nations, convening global health leaders to shape international policy. – BERNAMA
Barnama
20-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Malaysia Harnesses AI In Lung Health Drive
KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is turning to artificial intelligence to boost early detection of lung disease, deploying AI-powered X-ray screenings at seven primary care facilities as part of a national strategy to improve outcomes. In a Facebook post, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the screenings are a key element of the National Lung Health Initiative 2025–2030, which focuses on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. Speaking at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) in Geneva today, Dzulkefly shared a case where AI screening detected early-stage lung cancer in a symptom-free 67-year-old patient, allowing for swift surgical intervention.
