On 11th December 2020, I was honored to be able to join the APEC Virtual Consultation on Covid-19 & Rare Diseases in Malaysia and presented on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia on behalf of the Director General of Health Malaysia, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah. This virtual event was conducted in partnership with APEC Rare Disease Network (RDN) held at the Multipurpose Hall, Ministry of Health Malaysia. Speakers, panelists, and participants from Malaysia and the APEC economies came together to explore challenges and successes of Malaysia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and build on recommendations in the APEC Action Plan on Rare Diseases to ensure continuity of healthcare services and policymaking and planning efforts during public health emergencies in the local context.

In 2017, APEC Life Sciences Innovation Forum (LSIF) established the RDN as a tripartite cooperation between government officials, academic experts, and clinicians, as well as industry representatives. The Medical Development Division in the Ministry of Health, Malaysia has been participating actively in the RDN since its establishment. In 2018, Malaysian representatives participated in the inaugural APEC Policy Dialogue on Rare Diseases in Beijing, China, and contributed to the development of the APEC Action Plan on Rare Diseases which was endorsed by APEC Health Ministers in 2018.

Datuk Dr. Hj. Rohaizat bin Hj. Yon
Deputy Director General of Health (Medical)

Rujuk : FB Program Perubatan KKM