Addressing non-communicable diseases in Malaysia: an integrative process of systems and community

Abstract

The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and NCD risk factors in Malaysia have risen substantially in the last two decades. The Malaysian Ministry of Health responded by implementing, “The National Strategic Plan for Non-Communicable Diseases (NSP-NCD) 2010-2014”, and the “NCD Prevention 1Malaysia” (NCDP-1M) programme. This paper outlines the primary health system context in which the NCDP-1M is framed. We also discuss the role of community in facilitating the integration of this programme, and outline some of the key challenges in addressing the sustainability of the plan over the next few years. The paper thus provides an analysis of an integration of a programme that involved a multi-sectoral approach with the view to contributing to a broader discourse on the development of responsive health systems.

Effects of a pharmaceutical care model on medication adherence and glycemic control of people with type 2 diabetes

“…In Malaysia, the Third National Health Morbidity Survey reported a drastic increase in the prevalence of diabetes, from 8.3% to 14.9%, among Malaysians aged 30 years and older within a 10-year period (1996–2006) 3. The World Health Organization estimated that by 2030, Malaysia would have a total of 2.48 million individuals diagnosed with diabetes;3 however, this figure has already been surpassed, as in 2011, 2.6 million Malaysians had been diagnosed with diabetes 2,4. This increase in diabetes is a major concern, as the morbidity of people with diabetes is 11 times higher than the general population 5…”

What role could community pharmacists in Malaysia play in diabetes self-management education and support? The views of individuals with type 2 diabetes

“…Designed initially for acute care, the public health clinics are now challenged with providing care for the long‐term needs of patients . In addition to increasing prevalence, insufficient numbers of health professionals and resources limit the adequate provision of health care .…”

“…In addition to increasing prevalence, insufficient numbers of health professionals and resources limit the adequate provision of health care . To address this, the Ministry of Health has called for collaboration with community partners to provide continuity of care …”

“…[10] Designed initially for acute care, the public health clinics are now challenged with providing care for the longterm needs of patients. [11] In addition to increasing prevalence, insufficient numbers of health professionals and resources limit the adequate provision of health care. [12,13] To address this, the Ministry of Health has called for collaboration with community partners to provide continuity of care.…”

“…[12,13] To address this, the Ministry of Health has called for collaboration with community partners to provide continuity of care. [11] Community pharmacists are uniquely positioned and accessible to provide diabetes care, being increasingly regarded as the first port of call for help in the management of chronic disease. [14] Studies in the United States, [15] the United Kingdom [16] and Australia [17] have shown that diabetes education and support delivered through community pharmacies have resulted in improvements in care and outcomes for people with T2D.…”