PUTRAJAYA, May 18 — Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad is in Geneva to lead the country’s delegation at the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79), which runs from today until May 23.
This marks a significant moment in Malaysia’s health diplomacy, as it seeks to turn domestic reforms into real global influence.
A statement from the Ministry of Health (MOH) today said Malaysia’s presence at this annual gathering of health ministers and policymakers from WHO member states signals a major shift: from earning global recognition to delivering people-centred health changes that actually benefit the public.
The key highlight will be Malaysia’s Country Statement, scheduled for delivery tomorrow (May 19). The nation is expected to strongly advocate for people-centred health reforms and unhindered humanitarian assistance worldwide.
“Malaysia’s intellectual leadership will be showcased through 18 strategic interventions addressing critical issues such as malaria elimination, mental health, non-communicable diseases (NCD) and the economics of health for all,” the statement read.
MOH said Dzulkefly has also been invited to deliver keynote addresses and lead discussions at six high-level international forums focusing on global lung health, eye health, behavioural sciences, hepatitis and rare diseases.
On the regional front, MOH shared that Malaysia is spearheading a proposed Asean Declaration on Rare Diseases, a move aimed at giving patients, especially children, a real shot at earlier diagnoses and fair access to specialised care.
Back home, the fight against NCDs and the mental health agenda is getting a major boost through the upcoming National Blueprint for Behavioural Sciences, which will power the ‘War on 5S’ campaign, tackling sugar, smoke, salt, stigma and sedentary lifestyles.
Malaysia is also pursuing strategic bilateral talks with Spain, a global “gold standard” for organ donation, to explore adapting its successful model for Malaysian patients.
“Malaysia will also hold discussions with Singapore, Vietnam and Bangladesh to strengthen regional cooperation in digital health and health security, it said.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s success in securing affordable access to essential medicines is not going unnoticed. MOH revealed that the country has gained international recognition, with the Medicines Patent Pool selecting Malaysia as a global case study for leadership in the national HIV response.
These milestones, MOH added, reflect a deeper commitment under the Madani framework: to build a healthcare system that is equitable, modern and inclusive for all Malaysians. — Bernama
Date: 18 May, 2026 12:00 pm
Source: Malay Mail
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