NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN TO COMBAT NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Ministry of Health has come out with a National Strategic Plan to combat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD)that places on seven key areas in line with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.

Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai said the strategic plan would be
submitted to the Cabinet by end of this year for approval and will be
implemented next year.

"We will be using diabetes and obesity as the entry points for our battle
against NCD," he told reporters after opening the 5th International Health Fair
2008 here Saturday.

Liow said the seven areas were prevention and promotion; clinical
management; increasing patient compliance to treatment; collaboration with
non-government organization (NGOs), professional bodies and other stakeholders;
monitoring, research and surveillance; capacity building; policy and
regulations.

He said the Health Promotion Board would plan and implement health
promotion programmes and activities under the strategic areas for the benefit of
the community.

He said the cooperation of other ministries including the Ministry of
Education and Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development would be
sought in ensuring the suucess of the Plan.

"With this systematic and comprehensive approach, we hope to make a greater
impact in our fight against NCD," he said.

Liow said in 1996, the prevalence of obesity among adults (18 years and
above) was only 4.4 percent but it had risen to 14 percent by 2006 while the
prevalence of diabetes among adults (30 years and above) increased from 8.3
percent in 1996 to 14.9 percent (2006).

"We will embark on the early detection of diabetes and its related factors
at all healthcare facilities (both government and private) including risk factor
screening and intervention and special projects for the follow up of gestational
diabetes (diabetes in pregnancy)," added Liow.