SEREMBAN: The rising prevalence of diabetes in Malaysia has become a cause for concern, with an estimated 3.9 million adults currently suffering from the disease. To combat this public health issue, the government is allocating RM4.9 billion annually for diabetes-related initiatives, according to Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa. The findings from the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey revealed a steady increase in diabetes cases among adults aged 18 and above, rising from 11.2% in 2011 to 13.4% in 2015, and further escalating to 18.3% in 2019.
In response to the urgency of the situation, Dr Zaliha emphasized the need for continuous efforts from all relevant parties to tackle diabetes. One such effort is the SeDia Cohort initiative, a long-term data collection project aimed at understanding the multifaceted factors contributing to the disease, including lifestyle, environment, genetics, and socio-economic development. The SeDia Cohort is a collaborative effort between the Health Ministry and the International Medical University (IMU), and it is poised to be the first large-scale cohort study focusing exclusively on diabetes patients.
Highlighting the importance of reducing reliance on imported medicines, Dr Zaliha revealed that the Health Ministry is currently reviewing efforts to promote research and development (R&D) in the country. This includes forging partnerships with various ministries to enhance local production of medicines. By strengthening domestic production capabilities, Malaysia can mitigate the need for imported medications and strive towards greater self-sufficiency in this critical aspect of healthcare.
The launch of the Seremban Diabetes Cohort (SeDia) program took place on Saturday, July 8, and Dr Zaliha shared these insights with reporters during the event. The program is highly significant as it signifies a proactive step towards addressing the pressing issue of diabetes in Malaysia. With the government’s commitment to funding and the collaborative efforts between the Health Ministry and the IMU, the SeDia Cohort holds the promise of providing invaluable data and insights for effectively managing and combating diabetes in the country.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
