Malaysia urges unhindered humanitarian aid access at World Health Assembly, says minister

“KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — Malaysia has underscored the critical need to ensure unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance amid an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said under the theme “Reshaping Global Health: A Shared Responsibility,” Malaysia calls on all nations to uphold humanitarian principles and respect 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. Dzulkefly is currently in Geneva to attend the assembly, which is being held 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 Madani Health Reforms, a Madani Government initiative, are transforming Malaysia’s healthcare system by expanding community-based care and accelerating digitalisation to ensure quality, people-centred services. 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, using evidence-based psychology to refine public health interventions, he said. “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

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