The HEALTH | July-August. 2026

Pauline Teoh

The Value of Chronic Care analysed health systems across all 38 OECD countries between 2014 and 2023, covering more than 200 chronic conditions. The report introduces an index

THE inaugural " Walk With Hope for Dementia " has raised RM119,579 to support Alzheimer ' s and dementia care services, with more than 143 participants taking part in the charity event at Taman Merdeka, Johor Bahru.

Organised by SilverGenz and the Johor Alzheimer ' s & Dementia Day Care Association( JOBADA), with the support of Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru( MBJB), the event was held on 29 June to raise awareness of Alzheimer ' s and dementia while supporting caregivers and community outreach.

Organisers said all proceeds from registrations, sponsorships, donations and community contributions will be channelled to JOBADA to fund its care centre operations, awareness initiatives and caregiver support programmes.

Participants completed a 2km charity walk and joined activities including health talks, Zumba sessions, senior dance performances, health screenings and community booths.

According to the World Health Organisation, more than 260,000 Malaysians are living with dementia, with the number expected to increase as the country ' s population continues to age.

Representing the Johor Bahru mayor, Dr Mohd Hairi Sulaiman said Alzheimer ' s and dementia affect not only individuals but also families and communities.

“ Today’ s encouraging turnout

Nur Fatihah Mustafa

measuring how prepared healthcare systems are to manage the growing burden of chronic disease.

It found that while fewer people die prematurely, more are living longer with chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and mental health conditions, increasing pressure on healthcare systems and financial security.

The report also showed that countries with similar healthcare capacity

HOPE WALK: Participants take part in the inaugural " Walk With Hope for Dementia " charity walk, raising funds and promoting greater public awareness and community support for people living with Alzheimer ' s and dementia and their caregivers

reflects the growing awareness and compassion among Johoreans towards supporting healthy ageing and Alzheimer ' s and dementia-related causes. MBJB is proud to support initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing and social responsibility,” he said.

SilverGenz Founder Stacey Lim said the event aimed to encourage conversations about dementia while building stronger support networks for those can achieve very different outcomes, with poorer performance linked to fragmented care, limited access and weak coordination. Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Norway and South Korea ranked highest, while Latvia, Lithuania, Greece, Poland and Hungary ranked lowest.

Zurich said the findings highlight the need for greater emphasis on prevention, earlier intervention and better integration of care across the patient journey.

Zurich Insurance Group’ s Life, Health and Bank Distribution Chief Executive Officer Alison Martin said healthcare systems must evolve through prevention, earlier intervention and stronger collaboration between public and private sectors.

Zurich Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad Chief Executive Officer Pauline Teoh said early health and financial planning is increasingly important for younger Malaysians, while Zurich Takaful Malaysia Berhad Chief Executive Officer Nur Fatihah Mustafa said tackling chronic disease requires shared responsibility supported by family takaful principles.

living with the condition and their caregivers.

JOBADA Chairman M Soorian said awareness campaigns help reduce stigma and remind affected families they are not alone. He added that SilverGenz and JOBADA plan to launch another public awareness campaign on dementia, caregiving and healthy ageing in conjunction with World Alzheimer ' s Month in September.

ORGANON Malaysia, DKSH Malaysia and BIG CARING Group( BCG) have signed a memorandum of understanding to expand access to healthcare products across Malaysia by combining healthcare expertise, distribution capabilities and a retail pharmacy network of more than 600 outlets.

The agreement will make Organon ' s healthcare portfolio available through BCG ' s pharmacy brands, including BIG Pharmacy, CARING Pharmacy, Georgetown Pharmacy, Ting Pharmacy and Wellings Pharmacy, with distribution support from DKSH.

The partners also announced RELIEF, an initiative to raise allergy awareness and improve access to respiratory and dermatological allergy solutions.

In addition, they will support the Resilient Community Initiative( RCI) WASH Sabah 2026, implemented with Doctors on Ground( DnG). The programme will provide healthcare services, health education and essential supplies to underserved and stateless communities in Sabah, benefiting an estimated 600 to 1,000 people.

Organon Alliance and BD APAC Lead Lee Jin Jack said the collaboration would expand access to healthcare while strengthening health awareness and community outreach.

BIG CARING Group Director of Procurement Ch ' ng Haw Chong said community pharmacies played an important role in connecting people with healthcare support.

DKSH Malaysia Vice President, Healthcare and Head of Country Leadership Sandeep Tewari said the partnership would help improve access to healthcare products and

services across more communities.

- The HEALTH

BETTER ACCESS: Organon Malaysia, DKSH Malaysia and BIG CARING Group signs partnership to expand healthcare access and community health initiatives nationwide