WHO Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore

13/08/2026

WHO Representative for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe together with officers from the World Health Organization (WHO), paid a courtesy call on the Mayor of Kuching South, Dato Wee Hong Seng, Council of the City of Kuching South - MBKS

Joining Dato Wee during the courtesy call were Cr Judy Kho, Cr Othman bin Bujang, and senior officers of MBKS. Dr Ruben Ramakrishnan and Dr Isabel Espinosa joined from WHO.

The courtesy call provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views and ideas on MBKS’s ongoing initiatives, particularly in promoting healthy ageing and strengthening the Age-friendly Cities and Communities agenda in Kuching South.

During the discussion, Dato Wee shared some of the initiatives undertaken by MBKS to prepare Kuching South for an ageing population. The discussion also touched on how a city can create a more supportive environment for older persons through age-friendly public spaces, accessibility, social participation, community engagement and programmes that encourage active and healthy living.

Both sides exchanged ideas and experiences on ageing-related initiatives and discussed opportunities to further strengthen cooperation and knowledge sharing. The discussion also explored how the experience and initiatives being implemented in Kuching South could contribute towards advancing the healthy ageing and Age-friendly Cities and Communities agenda across Sarawak.

Dato Wee said that preparing for an ageing society requires cooperation across different sectors and should take into consideration the needs and voices of older persons. They also discussed the need to start young already with school aged children to ensure a life course approach to healthy ageing.

An age-friendly city is not only about our senior citizens. When we make our city safer, more accessible, inclusive and comfortable for older persons, we are actually creating a better city for everyone — our children, families and future generations, he said.

As part of the courtesy call, Dato Wee also handed over MBKS’s Age-Friendly City Action Plan to Dr Rabindra, outlining the Council’s planned actions and initiatives towards creating a healthier, more inclusive and age-friendly Kuching South.

MBKS looks forward to continued engagement and collaboration with WHO and relevant stakeholders in strengthening healthy ageing initiatives and contributing towards the development of more age-friendly communities in Kuching South and throughout Sarawak.

13/08/2026

WHO Representative meets Sarawak Minister to advance healthier cities and communities 🤝

The WHO Representative for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe along with colleagues, met with YB Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Minister for DBKU and Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Council and Islamic Affairs) during the WHO mission to Kuching 🇲🇾

The discussion highlighted the critical role of cities in promoting health and wellbeing across the life course and explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration on healthy and age-friendly cities and communities.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on the role of local leadership, multisectoral action and community engagement in building healthier, more inclusive and age-friendly communities.

WHO looks forward to continued collaboration with Sarawak and local authorities in advancing healthier, more inclusive and age-friendly communities.

04/08/2026

Blueprint for the Allied Health Workforce 2026–2035 🇲🇾 was launched today, setting a 10-year vision to strengthen the planning, development and effective use of Malaysia’s allied health workforce.

This paves the path to better prepare for the evolving health needs marked by growing concerns around noncommunicable diseases, mental health challenges, increasing demand for rehabilitation and emerging public health threats.

More than a workforce development plan, the Blueprint reflects a national commitment to a sustainable, integrated and people-centred health system. It supports Malaysia’s health reform agenda by emphasizing prevention, early intervention, primary health care and the delivery of services closer to communities, ensuring people receive the right services, at the right time and in the right place.

03/08/2026

Simple measures can help protect you and your family from diseases like and malaria.

03/08/2026

WHO is proud to participate in the 12th International Congress of the Asia Pacific Society of Infection Control (APSIC 2026) which brought together more than 1,500 delegates from 33 countries under the theme "Innovation, Collaboration, and Resilience in IPC: Adapting to a Rapidly Evolving World."

The congress served as a key regional platform for advancing infection prevention and control (IPC), antimicrobial resistance (AMR), research, innovation and cross-border collaboration.

A major highlight of APSIC 2026 was the WHO-supported Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Outbreak Response Workshop, organised in collaboration with the Infection Control Unit, Medical Development Division KEMENTERIAN KESIHATAN MALAYSIA

The workshop brought together 60 multidisciplinary participants from 🇲🇾🇧🇳🇸🇬 🇮🇩🇹🇭 🇻🇳🇨🇳🇦🇺🇯🇵 making it the first WHO-facilitated AMR outbreak response workshop of its kind in the region.

The workshop reflects WHO's continued commitment to supporting Member States in translating the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance into practical action, strengthening national and regional capacities, and fostering cross-country collaboration to prevent and respond to AMR threats.

28/07/2026

Hepatitis B and C can stay silent for years. Many people only find out when liver disease is already advanced.

Testing is the first step to care. It can help people know their status, protect their families and access treatment early.

Knowing the facts can also help reduce fear, misinformation and stigma.

Talk to a health provider about Hepatitis B and C testing.

Get tested. Get treated. Get protected.

27/07/2026

Here are 5 tips to help you sleep better. 😴

- Be consistent. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning.
- If possible, make your sleeping area quiet, dark, relaxing and at a comfortable temperature.
- Limit your use of electronic devices, such as TVs, computers and smartphones, before sleeping.
- Avoid large meals, caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.
- Get some exercise. Being physically active during the day can help you fall asleep more easily at night.

24/07/2026

Every year, more than 300,000 people lose their lives to drowning - that's 30 people every single hour.

For children, the toll is even heavier: drowning ranks among the top causes of death for those under 15.

For Malaysia 22% of drowning deaths happen in children under 15years.

Drowning is one of the most preventable causes of death we know. Covered wells and water tanks, fenced pools, supervised childcare, swim lessons, CPR training and flood early-warning systems all save lives.

"Unite to Turn the Tide" is a reminder that parents, schools, employers, communities and policymakers all have a part to play.

What can you do?

👉 Fence a water source, teach a child to swim, learn CPR, or simply watch closely when little ones are near water.

Together, we can turn the tide on drowning.

24/07/2026

A pleasure to welcome delegates from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board - MPOB led by Deputy Director-General (R&D) Dr Mohd Hefni Rusli 🤝

Strong local partnerships are essential to advancing health for all and supporting the global health agenda.

21/07/2026