Page 6 - MALAYSIA HEALTH SECTOR RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC: HOPE DESPITE ADVERSITY

A DYNAMIC RESPONSE

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a myriad of
experiences for all of us –mountainous challenges,
yet at the same time, opportunities to improve
and strengthen the country’s preparedness and
response to public health emergencies. The
COVID-19 pandemic has given us the stimulus to
find innovative strategies to manage COVID-19
cases, deliver healthcare services, and roll out an
effective national vaccination programme.
If a word could describe the state of events in
this pandemic, it would be “dynamic”. With an
unprecedented pandemic, the turn of events
has been far from predictable. Unwavering since
the emergence of the virus in the country, it is
apparent that the Ministry of Health (MOH) has
responded with a positive mindset and resilience.
Dynamic responses have been mounted, from screening, testing, hospital capacities to
promotion of physical and mental health and achieving herd immunity.
Indeed, a tremendous spirit of teamwork exists in the MOH, which has spurred and
sustained efforts to contain the pandemic. I would like to take this opportunity to
congratulate and express my highest gratitude and appreciation to all MOH personnel,
either directly or indirectly, for battling this war against this invisible enemy. The
realisation of this country report is an attestation of the contributions of so many
individuals, organisations, and ministries in combatting the pandemic. Documentation
and sharing of information are a positive step towards data transparency and promoting
experiential learning. Let’s join forces in bringing MOH on a trajectory of continual
improvement and success.

YB Khairy Jamaluddin
Minister of Health, Malaysia

Hope Despite Adversity I