STATEMENT : 80TH UNGA HIGH-LEVEL MEETING ON THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND THE PROMOTION OF MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

STATEMENT BY

DR. MUSTAFFA JAAPAR

DELEGATE TO THE 80^TH SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

80^TH UNGA HIGH-LEVEL MEETING ON THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND THE PROMOTION OF MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Madam President,

Malaysia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Global NCD Monitoring Framework. We recognise that the rising burden of non-communicable diseases and mental health conditions is not only a public health crisis but also a profound threat to economic growth, social well-being, and national resilience. The High-Level Meeting today places a spotlight on the urgent need for leadership and coordinated action to deliver meaningful transformation. In this regard, Malaysia strongly supports the approval of the Political Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health at this meeting, recognising it as a vital step towards strengthening international cooperation and reaffirming our shared responsibility to safeguard health for all.

2. Building on this global commitment, Malaysia’s national policy direction is firmly anchored in evidence-based planning and multisectoral collaboration. The National Strategic Plan for NCDs, the National Oral Health Strategic Plan (2022-2030), the National Strategic Plan for Mental Health (2020- 2025) and the Health White Paper collectively serve as our strategic blueprints for prevention, early detection, integrated management, and system reform. These frameworks align national priorities with global commitments, ensuring equity, accountability, and sustainability.

3. Malaysia adopts a life course approach in addressing NCDs and mental health, ensuring that prevention and care span from early life to old age. Our efforts cover the full continuum of prevention as follows:

• Primordial and primary prevention is advanced through intersectoral policies on tobacco control, mental health promotion and early crisis intervention, national campaigns, nutrition, oral health and physical activity as well as community-based programmes that create enabling environments for healthier living;

• At the secondary level, the National Health Screening Initiative strengthens systematic early detection and timely intervention supported by robust national surveillance and registries; and

• At the tertiary level, structured care pathways are being enhanced, including the integration of psychosocial rehabilitation services at primary healthcare facilities.

4. Malaysia’s efforts are underpinned by a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach bringing together ministries, civil societies, academia, communities, and the private sector to build synergies and foster innovation. Through technology, stronger surveillance, and innovation driven by strategic partnerships, we aim to expand accessibility and reinforce sustainability.

Madam President,

5. Malaysia reaffirms its steadfast commitment to build a healthier, more resilient, and more productive nation. We will continue to invest in transformative leadership, integrated action, and global solidarity in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals. In line with our health reformation agenda, Malaysia is strengthening the shift from sick care to health care—prioritising prevention, equity, and well-being as we move decisively towards a healthy nation.

Thank you.