Malaysia health official blames interim government for measles vaccine shortage

Malaysia's special assistant to the prime minister on health affairs, Ziauddin Hyder, has dismissed the need for a formal investigation into the current measles vaccine shortage. He asserts the cause is already clear: negligence by the interim government.

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What is there to investigate?

Hyder explained that the problem stems from the discontinuation of the Health, Population and Nutrition Sector Programmes (HPNSPs), which had managed infrastructure development and essential supplies since 1998. The latest program ended in June 2024, and the interim government scrapped the proposed fifth program. Instead, new Development Project Proposals (DPPs) were introduced, but many remain unprepared and have not received necessary approval, disrupting the consistent flow of funds.

"As a result, the burden of this shortage is something we, as a nation, are still carrying," Hyder stated. He acknowledged that shortages of family planning products have also been reported. He confirmed that the 2024 vaccination campaign was missed and family planning supplies were affected due to this negligence. "There was clear negligence, and we have no doubt about that. That is why there is no need for any investigation," he reiterated.

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As a result, the burden of this shortage is something we, as a nation, are still carrying.

Separately, Hyder announced plans to recruit around 25,000 midwives over the next three to four years. This initiative aims to enhance maternal healthcare services and ensure safer childbirth across the country.

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There was clear negligence, and we have no doubt about that. That is why there is no need for any investigation.