Malaysian MOH Highlights Global NCD Agenda Prioritizing Oral Diseases

Dental Health at the Forefront of Global Health Discussions

MALAYSIA: The Ministry of Health of Malaysia has announced that oral diseases are being targeted for inclusion in the new non-communicable disease (NCD) agenda at the upcoming 2025 United Nations Fourth High-Level Meeting on NCDs. This development was discussed during the ‘Oral Health: Time for Commitment and Action’ program, held in conjunction with the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva.

Emphasizing Political Commitment and Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration

According to the Ministry of Health, “Emphasis on the political commitment of member states to oral health and further accelerating the expansion of efforts to prevent and control oral diseases along with other NCDs is very important to implement the global oral health policy, strengthen the national oral health policy and mobilise stakeholders outside the oral health sector.”

The statement further highlighted the importance of progress towards universal health coverage (UHC) for oral health by 2030, which depends on the ability and readiness of ministries of health and other stakeholders to coordinate, collaborate, and integrate efforts.

Tooth Decay Prevalent Among Most Malaysian Adults

During the interactive session, Malaysia presented its experience and success in implementing and monitoring the achievement of the Global Oral Health Action Plan (GOHAP) 2023-2030. The country also discussed an innovative method to evaluate implementation, measure success, and mobilize stakeholders outside the oral health sector.

National Dental Health Policy and Strategic Plan

Malaysia has already launched a National Dental Health Policy and its strategic plan in 2023, aligning with global initiatives. The country has implemented 18 national actions towards improving UHC for dental health, covering aspects of dental health governance, disease promotion and prevention, and dental health care.

As the Ministry of Health stated, “Malaysia is committed to implementing the global oral health agenda through engagement with various stakeholders from the public, private sector, non-governmental organisations and industry players in order to achieve the best oral health status of the people.”

The discussions in Geneva also aimed to prepare for the Global Oral Health Meeting, which will be organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Thailand in November 2024. This meeting will be the first of its kind, further highlighting the growing importance of oral health on the global health agenda.

Health Ministry Offers Free Dental Check-ups at Madani Government One Year Anniversary Programme