WHO Director-General's maiden visit to Malaysia

31 March 2026

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived in Malaysia for an official mission that highlighted the strong and growing collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of Malaysia in advancing people centred, resilient health systems. His visit included a townhall session with staff at the newly refurbished WHO Global Service Centre (GSC) office in Cyberjaya, and a meeting with Country Office Malaysia staff.

WHO Director‑General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus walks with Malaysian officials through the international departures entrance at an airport, captured mid‑stride beneath signage marking the departures area during an official visit. ^{Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrives in Malaysia for his first official visit, marking an important moment in the continued collaboration between WHO and the country.}

Dr Tedros met with national leaders and health counterparts to discuss Malaysia’s priorities in health system transformation, pandemic preparedness, sustainable financing, primary health care strengthening and progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These discussions reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to equitable, high quality health services and WHO’s support for the country’s aspirations for a healthier population.

Aligning national and global health priorities

In his meeting with Yang Amat Berhormat Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Dr Tedros welcomed Malaysia’s continued emphasis on health as a national priority on its road to economic prosperity. Discussions underscored the need for sustainable health financing, including pro-health taxation alongside the importance of global cooperation to strengthen health security and maintain science-based decision-making.

WHO Director‑General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus sits facing a Malaysian official during a meeting, seated in an ornate room with wooden panels, chairs, and a small table between them.

^{In a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Dr Tedros discussed shared priorities in strengthening health systems, advancing equity and enhancing global health security}

“Malaysia is a strong and trusted partner to WHO. I appreciate its leadership and commitment to health and we will continue working together to build stronger, more resilient and equitable health systems for all” said Dr Tedros during the meeting.

WHO Director-General also commended Malaysia’s active role in the negotiations toward a global pandemic agreement, particularly its contributions to shaping the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) framework.

At the Ministry of Health, conversations with Yang Berbahagia Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Health Malaysia focused on accelerating health system reforms to expand universal health coverage, strengthening multidisciplinary primary healthcare delivery and building long-term resilience.

Two officials shake hands during a formal meeting indoors, standing between brown curtains with the Malaysian national flag displayed behind them, indicating a diplomatic or official engagement.
WHO Director‑General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus signs a guest book during an official visit to Malaysia, with a Malaysian health official standing beside him. Malaysian and WHO flags are displayed on the desk in a formal office setting.
^{Dr Tedros and Minister of Health Malaysia discussed expansion of universal health coverage and building a more equitable and resilient Malaysian health system}

The discussion focussed on key priorities,

Strengthening health financing.
Addressing health workforce challenges.
Advancing tobacco control, including regulation of vaping products.
Scaling up digital health innovations such as integrated electronic medical records across sectors.

Malaysia’s growing leadership in global health was also commended, from progress in use of behavioural science for better health to integrated lung health services, and to its constructive role in promoting regional health cooperation through ASEAN.

A candid exchange with WHO teams

A key highlight of the visit was Dr Tedros meeting with the WHO teams in Malaysia.

At the WHO GSC townhall, he shared reflections on WHO’s strategic direction under the 14th General Programme of Work (GPW14), recognising the vital role staff is playing in supporting operations worldwide. Dr Tedros also toured the newly refurbished GSC facilities, acknowledging the centre as a key hub for supporting the implementation of WHO’s global work.

WHO Director‑General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus speaks into a handheld microphone during a meeting, standing beside a WHO emblem backdrop, addressing participants in a formal indoor setting.
A large group of participants pose for a group photo at an indoor meeting, seated and standing together in a hall with ceiling lights, reflecting a formal gathering or collaborative event.
^{During a townhall at the WHO Global Service Centre, Dr Tedros shared updates on WHO’s strategic priorities, global health challenges and engaged with colleagues on various matters}

With colleagues at the WHO Representative Office for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, the atmosphere was open and engaging. Staff had the opportunity to ask questions directly and Dr Tedros responded candidly offering insights on global health challenges, WHO’s priorities and the evolving role of the organization. He highlighted that country offices are the face of the organization and with being rooted closest to national priorities and challenges, create the most impact on ground. His words and presence added an extra dimension and encouragement for staff based in the country.

WHO Director‑General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus meets with country office staff, seated around a conference table with participants, documents, and WHO banners displayed in the background.

^{Dr Tedros held a candid conversation with the country office team, exploring ongoing work, strengthening partnerships and leveraging WHOs global expertise}

The visit underscored the strength of the WHO–Malaysia partnership, a collaboration rooted in the shared goal of advancing health, strengthening systems and ensuring that no one is left behind.

As Malaysia continues to drive progress at home and contribute actively to global health, WHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the country’s path toward a healthier, more equitable and resilient future for all.