More than 70% of adults in four countries (Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Philippines) want to live healthy lives, but many delay protecting their respiratory health — a new Pfizer health awareness campaign highlights the urgency for Malaysia.
A multi‑country public awareness campaign and event, “For the Reasons that Matter”, was launched on 28 April recently to coincide with World Immunisation Week, of which PP Health Malaysia (PPHM) was invited and attended.
“The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2025 found that among older Malaysians, 39% have diabetes, 73% have hypertension and 76% have high cholesterol”
Rolled out simultaneously in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines, the campaign responds to rising concerns about serious respiratory illnesses such as COVID‑19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumococcal pneumonia. These infections increasingly threaten the health, independence and quality of life of older adults and people with chronic conditions.
A YouGov study of more than 200,000 adults across the four countries found that over 70% of respondents aspire to be fit and healthy, yet at least one in three admit they do not look after their health as well as they should. The campaign seeks to close that gap by making respiratory health conversations more practical and actionable.
Malaysia faces particular urgency. Data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia’s 2025 report showed pneumonia was the country’s second leading cause of death in 2024 and the leading cause of death among adults aged 60 and above.
The country is ageing rapidly, the elderly population is projected to reach 5.8 million by 2030. At the same time, non‑communicable diseases are widespread. The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2025 found that among older Malaysians, 39% have diabetes, 73% have hypertension and 76% have high cholesterol. Thirty per cent live with all three conditions, and half of those diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension have poor disease control.
Deborah Seifert, Pfizer cluster lead for Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines, said the campaign aims to make respiratory health conversations “more relevant, more human and more actionable,” stressing the gap between what adults want for their health and the steps they take to protect it.
Prof Dr Tan Maw Pin, Professor of Geriatric Medicine at Universiti Malaya, highlighted that a single respiratory infection can reverse years of careful health management for high‑risk older adults: “One respiratory episode can lead to physical decline, falls, cognitive impairment and a loss of independence.” Many older people, she noted during the panel session, prioritise maintaining independence and staying active with family rather than longevity alone.
Dr Rokeshwar Hari Dass, Head of Corporate Health, Marketing and Communication at CareClinics Healthcare Services, emphasised prevention and early intervention: “Prevention is not about adding more to a person’s routine, but about protecting their ability to continue daily activities. The aim is to act before someone becomes seriously ill.”
The YouGov study found 56% of Malaysian adults rely on social media for health information, while 47% consult doctors. However, 57% said they only act on health matters after receiving direct advice from a physician, underlining the powerful role of healthcare professionals in converting awareness into action.
The campaign encourages clinicians to make respiratory health a routine part of adult health reviews, especially for people with diabetes, hypertension, chronic lung disease and other risk factors.
The campaign places special emphasis on the “sandwich generation” — adults caring for both children and elderly parents — encouraging them to see maintaining their own respiratory health as part of their responsibility to those who depend on them.
High‑risk groups, including adults with diabetes, hypertension and chronic lung disease, are urged to consult their doctors about ways to reduce the risk of respiratory complications that may lead to hospitalisation and long‑term loss of independence.
Adults are encouraged to discuss protection against pneumococcal pneumonia, influenza, COVID‑19 and RSV with their healthcare professionals during routine visits.
For the Reasons that Matter brings together medical experts and healthcare professionals across Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines to raise awareness of how serious respiratory illnesses can affect quality of life and independence.
The campaign aims to create opportunities for informed conversations between adults and their healthcare providers so protective steps are taken before illness strikes.
The post More Than 70% Of Adults in Four ASEAN Countries Said They Want To Be Healthy, Yet Failed To Act first appeared on PP Health Malaysia.
