PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA, April 1, 2026 — World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus met Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday to reaffirm bilateral health cooperation and advance Malaysia’s leadership in global health initiatives.
Accompanied by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Dr Tedros thanked the Prime Minister for Malaysia’s strong commitment to #HealthForAll under the MADANI framework and for hosting the WHO Global Service Centre in Malaysia, which supports WHO’s worldwide operations.
The leaders discussed increasing domestic financing for Malaysia’s national health programme and stronger measures to protect public health from tobacco and vaping products. On the global stage, they highlighted Malaysia’s pioneering role in promoting lung health through a holistic approach that tackles both communicable and non-communicable drivers of lung disease. This includes the landmark resolution Malaysia championed at last year’s World Health Assembly, which calls for coordinated action against lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, tuberculosis and other respiratory conditions.
A key focus of the talks was Malaysia’s constructive contribution to the ongoing negotiations of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, particularly the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) annex. This mechanism aims to ensure more equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics during future pandemics.
Dr Dzulkefly, who joined the courtesy call, said the meeting underscores the close global health diplomacy between Malaysia and WHO. “Our focus is on safeguarding lives, and this cooperation with WHO aims to enhance early warning systems and strengthen the resilience of the healthcare system,” he stated. “With improved capacity to detect and respond to crises, disruptions to economic activities and daily life can be minimised.”
He added that Malaysia’s active participation at the international level ensures national health priorities are represented at the global negotiating table, while remaining committed to an inclusive, high-standard healthcare system ready for future challenges.
Dr Tedros expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s proactive role in addressing international health issues. The visit marks another milestone in the longstanding partnership between Malaysia and the WHO.
Photos from the meeting, shared by Dr Tedros on X, show warm bilateral discussions and a group session involving senior officials from both sides in an elegant setting featuring traditional Malaysian woodcarvings and formal seating.
This engagement comes as Malaysia continues to position itself as a key player in global health governance, particularly in pandemic preparedness and equitable access to medical countermeasures.
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