Novartis Malaysia, together with Protect Health and My Kasih supporting government’s national health screening program to address the growing prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases
Kuala Lumpur, October 21, 2022 – Novartis Malaysia is supporting a national health screening initiative via a community-based campaign addressing the growing prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The campaign aimed to improve the health awareness of Malaysians, especially those from underserved areas, and empower them to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
NCDs like cardiovascular diseases (CVD), diabetes and cancer are the leading cause of death in Malaysia and straining the health system. This can be prevented with early interventions and health screening is an effective method.
The 3-month campaign is conducted with the support of ProtectHealth and several local non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The team travel to several key locations throughout Malaysia to conduct FREE health screening and talks from medical professionals on several topics about general health awareness and healthy eating.
The first nationwide screening at PPR Sri Stulang, Johor Bharu, gathered 294 people registered for the PeKa B40 screening, of which 35% were eligible for screening. In the upcoming weeks, the crew will travel to the Southern, Central and Northern Region of Malaysia to engage with the underserved communities.
Elwakil Mohamed, the Country President of Novartis Malaysia & Brunei, said: “Data collected from the National Health Screening Initiative (NHSI) by the Ministry of Health revealed that of the total number of individuals aged above 40 who did the screening, 47% of them confirmed to have one or more NCD, while 46% of them had NCD risk factor.
“This is indeed worrying as many of them aren’t aware of their health. By fronting this campaign, Novartis is not only reimagining medicine to improve and extend people’s lives but also reimagining innovative care. Although health screening is indeed essential, it is equally important to conduct health awareness talks to educate and encourage the community to adopt a healthy lifestyle.”
Dr. Feisul Mustapha, Deputy Director of NCDs and an active advocate of NCDs Prevention and Control in Malaysia, said: “The data from NHSI also showed that not only individuals over 40 are at risk or have NCDs, but even those below 40 were also confirmed to have one or more NCDs and are at risk. A comprehensive campaign like this that emphasizes screening and health awareness is crucial in helping Malaysians detect early signs of NCDs and receive proper treatment to lead a better quality of life.”
Visit https://protecthealth.com.my/overview/ for more information on the B40 program or check your eligibility by entering your identity card number at www.pekab40.com.my.