Page 109 - ANUAL REPORT MOH 2017
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Tobacco control mass media appearances in 2017
Source: Disease Control Division, MoH
MENTAL HEALTH, ATS & VIP SECTOR
• Mental Health Unit
Malaysia’s mental health related burden comprises of 37 per cent of total disability. The 2015 National
Health Morbidity Survey (NHMS) revealed that 4.2 million Malaysians aged 16 and above suffered
from the problem. Although much has been done to address the Mental Health burden in Malaysia,
there are several challenges that need to be effectively addressed. Major challenge is to fight stigma
of mental disorders, not only to improve the social status of mentally ill persons but also to encourage
people to seek help early when encountering mental problems, to improve knowledge and to change
attitudes toward mental health and mental illness in general.
The National Mental Health Policy formulated in 1998 further amended in 2012 has clear objectives
to be a framework for the planning, development and implementation of strategies and mental health
services. These objectives include;
• Implement strategies to reduce stigma.
• Improve services through mental health promotion
• Empower caregivers, families, community and relevant agencies for better care
• Promote awareness and develop broad base support for programs
• Promote and support training, research and evaluation
108 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 MINISTRY OF HEALTH MALAYSIA
