Sabah battles dual health crises: Monkey malaria and rising obesity

Sabah is facing serious health challenges, with high rates of obesity, cholesterol, smoking, and inactivity. At the same time, the state has recorded a rise in monkey malaria cases, with 357 infections and one death in early 2023. Authorities are now pushing for stronger prevention measures to tackle both non-communicable diseases and infectious threats. Monkey malaria, spread by mosquitoes carrying the Plasmodium knowlesi parasite, remains a concern in Sabah. The disease jumps from monkeys to humans through bites, with Ranau, Kudat, and Tawau identified as key hotspots. Early detection and fast treatment are critical to controlling its spread. To address this, health officials are working closely with the Wildlife and Forestry Departments.

The state also struggles with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), costing the government RM64.3 billion yearly. Over half the population is obese, while high cholesterol, smoking, and physical inactivity affect many. In response, the Wellness Hub initiative has launched to shift focus from treatment to prevention. There are now 38 Wellness Hubs across Malaysia, including five in Sabah. The goal is to establish at least one hub per parliamentary constituency. These centres encourage healthier lifestyles and aim to reduce the burden of NCDs through early intervention.

Sabah’s health authorities are taking steps to combat both infectious and lifestyle-related diseases. The Wellness Hubs promote prevention, while cross-agency efforts target monkey malaria outbreaks. These measures seek to lower healthcare costs and improve public health in the long term.