Geneva: Malaysia has shared its national blueprint to strengthen the use of behavioural science in the health sector with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other countries at an international discussion session in Geneva, Switzerland. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said he shared the blueprint when he led the Malaysian delegation at a discussion on the role of behavioural science in health today. He noted that many of the country's major health challenges, particularly the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), stem from people's daily habits and behaviours, making clinical interventions and medication alone insufficient.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dzulkefly emphasized that the approach to healthcare policymaking must evolve beyond assumptions. He highlighted that the National Blueprint for Behavioural Sciences in Health, launched in 2025, ensures every health policy and campaign is designed around evidence-based psychology and the real-world needs of the people. So far, 114 applied behavioural science projects have been implemented nationwide with encouraging results.

Dzulkefly added that in alignment with the Malaysia MADANI principles, behavioural science has become a key pillar in building a more humane and people-centred healthcare system. Preventive measures, such as early screening, staying active, and adhering to medication schedules, are identified as the most effective and cost-efficient ways to save lives and reduce the financial burden on the national healthcare system. The government is committed to ensuring that this behavioural science approach is not merely a policy document but is translated into meaningful action that truly improves the quality of life of all Malaysians.