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OCTOBER , 2022 | THE HEALTH
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She said stakeholder engagement was another key aspect when conducting research . NIH will conduct research on the issues and gaps identified for stakeholders , who want to understand the situation better .
Upon completing the research , before presenting or publishing the results or findings , researchers must obtain approval from the Director-General of Health , the custodian of all the data .
Operations during the Covid-19 pandemic
Like other organisations , NIH was also affected by the lockdowns during the pandemic , shared Dr Asmaliza .
“ Most of our operations , research and data collection were on hold . But at the same time , there were also opportunities for NIH to contribute .
“ While most research activities were halted , certain vital research , especially those related to the pandemic , were conducted .
“ This is because there were a lot of uncertainties surrounding the pandemic , and we needed answers . So , NIH , namely the IMR , ICR and IPTK conducted impactful and comprehensive research during the pandemic .
“ For example , IMR was one of the first to identify the best way to handle Covid-19 screenings . Now , post-pandemic , IMR has moved on to Covid-19 genomics surveillance .
“ Meanwhile , ICR has conducted a series of surveys on the public ’ s perception and acceptance , validity , efficacy and safety of the vaccine .”
All findings were presented to policymakers during meetings chaired by the Minister of Health and the Director- General of Health .
NIH ’ s primary role is research , and Dr Asmaliza informed that all research operations are currently back to normal .
Importance of public health research
Most , if not all , research conducted and produced by
NIH has significantly impacted the nation ’ s public health management .
“ The IKU ' s primary research focuses on addressing public health issues . The National Health and Morbidity Survey ( NHMS ) is conducted yearly by IKU , focusing on different public health modules .
“ The NHMS reports published capture the public health landscape pertaining to the module . And the research findings can provide key data and information on the particular public health issues and suggest certain policies .”
Dr Asmaliza said IKU is currently completing the NHMS on the health status of the indigenous people in Peninsular Malaysia , which is the first of its kind . IKU has also embarked on two other NHMS research focusing on adolescent health , and maternal and child health .
Meanwhile , all the six research institutes have also conducted research on public health , looking into issues such as communicable diseases ( CDs ), non-communicable diseases ( NCDs ), infectious diseases and even nutritional analysis .
Based on the past and recent research findings and surveys , Dr Asmaliza said : “ NCDs are still the most pressing public health issue affecting the
Malaysian public , along with obesity . And in recent times , mental health issues seem to be on the rise .
“ Malaysians do not practice a healthy lifestyle and diet , which contributes to obesity and presentations of NCDs . We need to empower the Malaysian public on preventative health to avoid the risks of diseases . “ Preventative is always better than curative . We must also remember always to be happy and have a positive outlook .” – The Health
Malaysians do not practice a healthy lifestyle and diet , which contributes to obesity and presentations of NCDs . We need to empower the Malaysian public on preventative health to avoid the risks of diseases .”
– Dr S Asmaliza
Ismail