HUMANIZE debuts: A new hope for public health in Malaysia
From expensive treatments to sustainable living
SHAH ALAM - HUMANIZE Malaysia has emerged as a key player in public health thought leadership by partnering with the 8th Asia Pacific Conference on Public Health in Kuching, Sarawak.
This event marks the debut of HUMANIZE Malaysia in the public health arena.
HUMANIZE Malaysia aims to revolutionise public health strategies, acknowledging that such efforts require time and cannot be resolved through legislation alone.
In Malaysia, rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension contribute to nearly a quarter of premature deaths caused by noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in 2022, with 95,266 deaths recorded among adults aged 30 to 69.
Despite this, there is a lack of grassroots approaches to address these issues.
HUMANIZE Malaysia recognises that changing unhealthy habits, whether related to diet or drug use, is complex and individualised.
The organisation advocates for a "sustainable living" approach, integrating public health goals to enhance health, social well-being, and quality of life.
This concept extends beyond drug addiction to include everyday consumables such as sugar, alcohol, and tobacco.
Contrary to traditional views of addiction, HUMANIZE Malaysia promotes a nuanced, incremental strategy.
By partnering with corporations, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and policymakers, the organisation supports gradual progress rather than immediate cessation.
"We believe that 'worst-case scenarios' seen by doctors can be avoided if industries adopt policies that promote sustainable living, reducing the influx of patients needing expensive treatments for preventable conditions," said HUMANIZE Malaysia CEO Bakhtiar Talhah.
He stressed that this approach not only improves public health outcomes but also alleviates financial strain on healthcare systems.
Bakhtiar shared real-life success stories of individuals overcoming addictions, highlighting the complexity of factors influencing unhealthy choices.
He highlighted the importance of empathy in problem-solving to build a healthy and harmonious community as Malaysia progresses towards developed nation status.
"It's time for a paradigm shift in our approach to public health. New data and case studies show that balanced, middle-ground strategies are effective in reducing harm and promoting public health.
"We must challenge the status quo and think innovatively to solve longstanding public health issues," he said.
Bakhtiar, who has has extensive experience in environmental conservation and public health, currently serving in the Malaysian AIDS Foundation and several grassroots NGOs.
The organisation's mission is to catalyse new problem-solving methods and challenge traditional views on public health using updated scientific findings and data.
