Just over the last two months, Mental Illness Awareness & Support Association (MIASA) launched Safe Space for mental health month awareness and now Screen. Detect. Act campaign emphasises screenings for risk factors for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol are being offered for free thanks to a collaboration between VIATRIS Malaysia and the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).

Screen. Detect. Act Campaign

The campaign aligns with free health screening Malaysia timeline, which will run from December 2022 to February 2023 under the slogan “SCREEN. DETECT. ACT,” will encourage people to take charge of their health by emphasising the need of early detection. The primary goal is for them to undergo screenings in order to identify potential health hazards and then to implement the appropriate steps for management and behavioural change.

Addressing The Low Rate Of Health Screening

Of this free health screening Malaysia campaign, The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced the National Health Screening Initiative (NHSI) 2022 in July of this year to address the low rate of health screening among the population, and this campaign is in support of that initiative.

Identifying Underlying Issues And Preventing Medical Conditions

When asked about Viatris Malaysia’s cooperation with MMA, Jeff Bote, the company’s national manager, said:

We are pleased to collaborate with MMA and contribute to the community through our SCREEN. DETECT. ACT campaign. Through this campaign, we will not only support the MOH’s target to screen 1.5 million people above 40 years for risk factors associated with NCD but also contribute towards Viatris’ mission to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life. Regular NCD health screening is a proactive and important way to manage health. It helps us identify underlying issues and prevent medical complications by seeking treatment, sooner rather than later. Effective and timely interventions can make a world of difference to one’s health.

Jeff Bote, Country Manager of Viatris Malaysia

Klang Valley, Negeri Sembilan & 40 years old And Above To Receive The Free Health Screening

Klang Valley and Negri Sembilan will host the pilot program’s rollout as part of the SCREEN. DETECT. ACT campaign, which will focus on reaching 1,000 people aged 40 and up who are at higher risk for health problems.

Health Screening Can Save Lives

MMA President, Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai on Screen Detect Act campaign stated:

1.7 million people in Malaysia currently live with three major risk factors – diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol – which are key risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the country. As such, we cannot over emphasise the importance of regular health checks. We urge those above 40 years of age, those at higher risk, and especially, those who have yet to undergo any medical check-ups or health screening, to seize this opportunity to get yourself screened. Early detection and timely treatment can potentially lower your risks of complications and result in better outcomes. Health screening can save lives.

Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai, MMA President

To Increase Public Health Literacy

MMA President, Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai added:

We believe the SCREEN. DETECT. ACT campaign will complement the MOH’s initiatives to increase public health literacy and to improve the nation’s health. Viatris and MMA will continue in this strategic partnership and we plan to initiate follow-up screenings in the near future.

Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai, MMA President

The health screening will be free of charge and can be done at participating general practitioner clinics. For more information, contact Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) at 03-4041 1375 (Office) or 018-277 8794 (WhatsApp only) from Monday – Friday (9am – 6pm).