Malaysia launches regional lung health framework at WHO-backed forum

KUALA LUMPUR, 25 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Malaysia has taken the lead in Southeast Asia by launching a shared South-East Asian Progress Framework to implement the World Health Assembly Resolution 78.5, which calls for integrated lung health approaches, at a forum attended by over 1,000 healthcare professionals and policymakers.

The initiative, announced at The National Cancer Congress Malaysia 2026 at Sunway University, brings together ASEAN nations, South-East Asian countries, and global partners to address fragmented responses to lung diseases—including tobacco use, air pollution, and occupational hazards—through a unified regional strategy.

The framework, developed in collaboration with the WHO Office for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, the Ministry of Health Malaysia, and the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), avoids country rankings and instead fosters peer learning and tailored solutions.

The event also marked the launch of "A Breath for the Future: Malaysia’s National Lung Initiative", a coffee table book, by His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan, alongside Dato’ Dr Saunthari Somasundaram (NCSM President), Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Sir Dr Jeffrey Cheah KBE AO (Sunway Group Chairman), Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe (WHO Representative), and YBrs. Dr Ismuni Bohari (Ministry of Health Deputy Director General).

Malaysia’s National Lung Health Initiative has already integrated policy, prevention, screening, clinical management, and data systems into a cohesive approach, serving as a model for regional adoption. "Malaysia has shown that integrated lung health is not only possible, but essential," said Dr Abeyasinghe. "By bringing together expertise across communicable diseases, noncommunicable diseases, and environmental health, the country is helping demonstrate how a connected approach delivers better outcomes."

The framework’s focus on shared learning rather than competition aligns with Malaysia’s role as an early regional leader. Lung diseases remain a leading cause of global illness and death, with common risk factors—such as tobacco, pollution, and infections—often addressed in siloed programs. The initiative aims to bridge these gaps by improving prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation access.

Sector impact: While primarily a public health initiative, the framework could influence Malaysia’s healthcare investment priorities, particularly in primary care, occupational health, and air quality monitoring. Private sector players, including Sunway Group and NCSM, may expand partnerships in lung health research and advocacy.

Outlook: The framework’s success hinges on sustained political will and cross-sector collaboration. If adopted widely, it could position Malaysia as a regional hub for lung health innovation, attracting funding and expertise from global health organizations. The next phase will involve pilot programs and capacity-building workshops across ASEAN.

--- How to engage: The National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) leads public awareness campaigns. For details, contact NCSM via [ncsmalaysia.org](https://ncsmalaysia.org) or the WHO Malaysia office ([who.int](https://www.who.int)). No fundraising appeals were verified in the source.