MyPELINDUNG campaign provides continuing support in fight against COVID-19

11 Sep 2024
Saras Ramiya
Saras RamiyaSenior Editor, MPF; MIMS
Saras Ramiya
Saras Ramiya Senior Editor, MPF; MIMS
(L-R): Dr Mohazmi Mohamed, Dato’ Danial Iskandar, Deborah Seifert, Dato Dr Saunthari Somasundaram, Dr Shaharudeen Kamaludeen,(L-R): Dr Mohazmi Mohamed, Dato’ Danial Iskandar, Deborah Seifert, Dato Dr Saunthari Somasundaram, Dr Shaharudeen Kamaludeen, at the launch of MyPELINDUNG 2024.

The partner organizations in MyPELINDUNG have pledged their continuous support to the cause of keeping Malaysians healthy post-COVID-19 pandemic.

The Malaysian Society of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases (MyICID), the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM), the Malaysian Red Crescent Association (MRC), and Diabetes Malaysia (DM), in collaboration with Pfizer Malaysia, recently came together to declare the MyPELINDUNG campaign will be continued indefinitely. With the theme Lindungi Malaysia, Sihat Bersama, the campaign highlights the urgency of obtaining vaccinations, being watchful for COVID-19 symptoms, and obtaining medical treatment immediately if COVID-19 is confirmed, especially for those at high risk of severe disease outcomes including hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, or death (Figure 1). [https://covid-19.moh.gov.my/garis-panduan/garis-panduan-kkm/ANNEX_48_CLINICAL_GUIDELINES_FOR_COVID_IN_MALAYSIA_4th_EDITION_19102021_FINALE.pdf, https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/underlying-conditions.html]


Dato’ Danial Iskandar, Deputy Secretary General of MRC, said the public must be advised to be careful and proactive while adapting to life with COVID-19 especially with adherence to health guidelines, vaccination and seeking medical help early. Dr Shaharudeen Kamaludeen, President of MyICID, added that people at high risk of severe disease outcomes should be advised to obtain current COVID-19 vaccination to prevent severe illness and lower hospitalization rate, which will reduce the strain on the healthcare system.

Patients at high risk of severe disease outcomes should also be advised to seek medical help as soon as they have COVID-19 symptoms, including influenza-like illness and shortness of breath, and/or test positive for COVID-19. [https://covid-19.moh.gov.my/garis-panduan/garis-panduan-kkm/Guidance-on-COVID-19-for%20Health-Care-Setting.pdf] Early antiviral treatment is important in managing the illness more effectively, reducing its impact and safeguarding vulnerable populations, said Dato Dr Saunthari Somasundaram, President of NCSM. Treatment is most effective if started within days of the first symptoms, hence it should be started as soon as possible after diagnosis, said Dr Mohazmi Mohamed, Secretary-General of DM. Treatments that are currently available can lower the risk of severe illness, including hospitalization and death, he added. Cancer patients is one such vulnerable population who are at risk of death due to COVID-19 complications, said Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, Managing Director of NCSM.

“At Pfizer, we believe in the power of working together to create positive changes. The MyPELINDUNG initiative is more than just a program. It is a reflection of our shared commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of every Malaysian as we navigate life with COVID-19. By working closely with our partners, we can ensure that vital healthcare information and resources are accessible to all Malaysians,” said Deborah Seifert, Cluster Lead, Pfizer Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines.

The MyPELINDUNG campaign will continue to reach out to Malaysians through digital platforms, including the MyPELINDUNG Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MyPELINDUNG), offering engaging and informative content such as live streams with medical experts, patient stories, and discussions with influential personalities, providing valuable insights into living with COVID-19. The campaign will also include community outreach events, bringing essential information and resources directly to the public to reinforce the message that prioritizing health and safety is important as they continue to live with COVID-19, addressing the unique concerns of different segments of society.