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MSHR Conference: Experts Discuss The Transformative Power of Harm Reduction

MHSR Conference

KUALA LUMPUR, 22 October 2024 – The Malaysia Society for Harm Reduction (MSHR) recently concluded its annual Harm Reduction Conference 2024, bringing together global and local experts to explore the latest innovations and emerging paradigms in harm reduction.

Themed New Innovations and Paradigms in Reducing Population Harm, the conference focused on tobacco harm reduction, alongside discussions on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and drug reform. In particular, the conference spotlighted the need to mitigate tobacco harm vianovel tobacco products (NTPs), and ways to enhance current regulatory policies on tobacco usage.

MSHR Conference

Speaking at the conference, Professor Dr. Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, Chairman of the MSHR and a Community Health Physician and Health Economics Specialist from the Faculty of Medicine Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) said, “As we face new health and governance challenges, harm reduction strategies, especially in disease and tobacco control, continue to provide significant potential to reduce population-level harm. The conference serves as a platform to explore experts opinions, innovations and ensure that public health decisions are rooted in robust evidence and a clear understanding of population needs.”

The forum featured key international and local experts in the tobacco harm reduction space from their countries, including Dr Marewa Glover, Director, Centre of Research Excellence: Indigenous Sovereignty & Smoking, New Zealand; Professor Tikki Pangestu,Research Policy & Cooperation, WHO Switzerland; Dr Hiroya Kumamaru, Vice Director, AOI Universal Hospital, Japan; Professor Rohan Sequeira, Cardiometabolic Physician, The Revival Clinic, India; Professor KJ Chuang, Professor of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan; and Assistant Professor Jay Jazul, Pharmacist, Research Center for Social Sciences and Education, University of Santo Thomas, Philippines.

Tobacco harm reduction

The conference featured presentations and panel discussions from these prominent voices in the tobacco harm reduction field, providing insights into the role and challenges of harm reduction in addressing the global smoking epidemic as well as updates on tobacco control in Malaysia and the impact of these measures.

“Our goal is not only to highlight the emerging studies and evidence in the harm reduction space from their countries, but also to foster dialogue around how we can implement these tools responsibly, ensuring that these approaches align with broader public health objectives,” Professor Sharifa added.

Beyond tobacco harm reduction, the conference also covered strategies for addressing NCDs, which remain a leading cause of mortality in Malaysia. Key topics included the importance of promoting healthier lifestyles, improving access to early diagnosis and treatment, and implementing community-based interventions to manage and prevent NCDs, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer.

Speakers emphasized the need for multi-sectoral collaboration involving healthcare providers, policymakers, and community leaders to strengthen public health responses and reduce the burden of NCDs. The conference also highlighted the role of education and awareness campaigns in promoting healthier habits, with a particular focus on nutrition and physical activity. Additionally, it emphasized the importance of identifying key challenges and barriers to adopting healthy lifestyles in order to develop more effective and targeted interventions.

The discussion also explored current national strategies, such as the implementation of the National Strategic Plan for NCDs, which focuses on strengthening primary care services, enhancing disease surveillance, and integrating NCD prevention and control into all sectors of society. Despite these efforts, key challenges remain, including limited healthcare resources, gaps in public health infrastructure, and a lack of awareness and adherence to healthy behaviors among the general population.

Looking ahead, future approaches were discussed, highlighting the need to enhance public-private partnerships, leverage digital health innovations, and develop tailored interventions that address the specific needs of high-risk groups. The conference concluded with a call for stronger policy commitment and increased investment in public health initiatives to ensure long-term, sustainable impact in the fight against NCDs.

This year’s Harm Reduction Conference featured a team of local experts specializing in drug addiction and policy reform. The speakers provided insights into key policies and laws that have unevenly impacted people who use drugs (PWUDs) in Malaysia.

Methadone treatment

A special session focused on the two-decade-old harm reduction programs, such as methadone treatment and needle-syringe exchange, highlighting their relevance, challenges, and key factors influencing their effectiveness, particularly for opiate users. Additionally, participants received an updated overview of medicine-assisted treatment options for PWUDs.

The conference also addressed rising drug use trends among young people, debunking the myth that drugs are no longer harmful, and examining the extent of drug abuse among adolescents in Malaysia.

The symposium concluded with a forum discussion, answering participant questions and exploring future directions and resolutions for achieving long-overdue drug policy reform in the country.