Good to see some of the smaller countries catching on!!
Joint effort against obesity
By Lyna Mohamad
Brunei's Pehin Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi (L) shakes hands with Malaysia's Dato' Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek after the MoU signing ceremony.
With obesity increasingly becoming a matter of widespread concern in the region and in several other parts of the world, Brunei and neighbouring Malaysia are set to embark on a joint initiative of health measures including a battle against the bulge in both countries.
Obesity, which exists in worrying proportions in both the Sultanate and Malaysia, is closely tied to diabetes, and if left unchecked could lead to serious cardiovascular complications. Possible ways to prevent obesity include the promotion of healthy practices that include regular exercise and proper nutrition, among others.
The 3rd Bilateral Meeting on Health between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia put forward recommendations that will further strengthen the strong ties and collaboration that have been long established between the two countries, a press release from the Brunei Ministry of Health stated.
The meeting, held yesterday at the Member's Grill of the Empire Hotel & Country Club, was jointly chaired by the Ministers of Health of both countries - Pehin Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman representing Brunei and Dato' Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek representing Malaysia.
Yesterday's meeting was preceded by the Senior Officials Meeting that was held the previous day and was chaired by Brunei's Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dato Paduka Serbini Hj Ali. That meeting discussed the update and implementation of Joint Work Plans.
Other items on the agenda included Information Exchange, Capacity Building, Research and Joint Operations.
A Joint Statement was also signed by both ministers at yesterday's meeting, which among others, highlights recommendations on:
- An agreement to further strengthen the existing mechanisms and tasked Senior Officials to explore ways for timely information sharing and further enhance cooperation and collaboration as stipulated in the Joint Work Plans;
- An emphasis that the 2nd Joint Technical Working Group is to be convened soonest to develop protocols and procedures to facilitate the implementation of the Joint Work Plans;
- The need for both countries to share National Preparedness Plans and simulation exercises in addressing the global threat of pandemic Influenza and Avian Influenza;
- The importance of sharing information and experiences on the outbreak of HFMD and on the situation of obesity in both countries; and
- An agreement to explore potential partnerships in the area of health promotion such as in the prevention of diabetes and obesity in both countries.
Both parties expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting that was held in a warm and cordial manner, and expressed their appreciation for the active participation and valuable contributions of delegates.
The signing of the MoU that also took place at the meeting was another significant milestone in health cooperation and collaboration between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia.
Cooperation between the two countries in areas relating to diseases in humans and animals (zoonosis) including food and vector-borne diseases, information exchange, human resource development, primary healthcare, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, medical and health research development and food safety and quality control will further be strengthened through the MoU.
Obesity in Brunei and Malaysia
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