LABIS, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- The fourth national health and morbidity survey
will be carried out this year to help stop the up trend of non-communicable
diseases in the country.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said today that non-communicable
diseases had increased from eight per cent in 1996 to 14.9 per cent in 2009,
prompting the decision to hold another survey focusing on NCD.
The surveys were usually held once every 10 years, the last of which was
conducted in 2006.
The ministry has decided to carry out a national health and morbidity survey
once every fours years from now, Liow told reporters after visiting the Air
Panas health clinic near here.
"The survey will give us the latest statistics and other information to
plan action to curb NCD, especially diabetes and high blood pressure," he said.
-- MORE
LIOW-SURVEY 2 (LAST) LABIS
Liow said that studies by his ministry showed that an unhealthy diet and
physical inactivity were among the main reasons Malaysians suffered from NCD.
He said that his ministry had allocated RM5,000 to every district to promote
awareness of NCD at the community level.
Liow referred to the national strategic plan for non-communicable diseases
which he announced last year to prevent or delay the onset of NCD like diabetes
and cardiovascular ailments.
He also said the 1Malaysia Mobile Clinic for Johor will be launched in April
after three more mobile units are completed in March.
-- BERNAMA
AT HK NZM