Malaysia Shares Behavioural Science Blueprint With WHO
KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has shared its national blueprint to strengthen the use of behavioural science in the health sector with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other countries at an international discussion session in Geneva, Switzerland.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said he shared the blueprint when he led the Malaysian delegation at a discussion on the role of behavioural science in health today.
He said many of the country's major health challenges, particularly the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), stem from people's daily habits and behaviours, making clinical interventions and medication alone insufficient.
"Many of our most pressing health challenges, especially the rise in NCDs in Malaysia, are rooted in our daily habits and behaviours. Recognising this, our approach to healthcare policymaking must evolve. We can no longer build health policies based on assumptions," he said in a Facebook post today.
Dzulkefly said that through the National Blueprint for Behavioural Sciences in Health, launched in 2025, every health policy and campaign is now designed around evidence-based psychology and the real-world needs of the people.
He said 114 applied behavioural science projects have been implemented nationwide so far, with encouraging results.
He added that, in line with the Malaysia MADANI principles, behavioural science has become a key pillar in building a more humane and people-centred healthcare system.
"We know that preventive measures, such as undergoing early screening, staying active and adhering to medication schedules, are the most effective and cost-efficient ways to save lives and reduce the financial burden on the national healthcare system.
"The government will continue to ensure that this behavioural science approach is not merely a policy document, but is translated into meaningful action that truly improves the quality of life of all Malaysians," he said.
-- BERNAMA
