Setting up of MyWASSH, the Malaysian Society for World Action on Salt, Sugar and Health: Promote salt reduction in Malaysia

• Main Authors: Chia, Yook Chin *, Chung, Felicia Fei Lei *, Ooi, Pei Boon *, Chew, Ming Tsuey *, Cheng, Maong Hui *
• Format: Article
• Published: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins 2023
• Subjects: QP Physiology; RC Internal medicine; RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology
• Online Access: http://eprints.sunway.edu.my/2812/; https://journals.lww.com/jhypertension/abstract/2023/01001/ps_p03_10__setting_up_of_mywassh,_the_malaysian.604.aspx

In response to non-communicable diseases in particular cardiovascular diseases being the leading cause of premature deaths in high as well as middle income countries, the World Health Organisation in 2013, proposed several targets to address this problem. One of the targets set was reduction of salt intake to less than 5gm per day by 2030 - to reduce the prevalence of hypertension. Salt intake is of particular importance because intake of salt in Asia is high, ranging from 9–17 gm/day. Furthermore, high salt intake is more important in Asia as salt sensitivity is higher in Asians causing a rise greater rise in blood pressure (BP) compared to Caucasians. Furthermore, the impact of BP in Asians is again higher than in Caucasians, making it even more important to reduce BP as much as possible. Reduction in salt intake needs a multi-prong, multi-sectorial approach. One strategy to help reduce salt intake is public education. We cannot rely only on the government and health authorities alone to ensure the reduction of intake of salt. To this end, a group of interested health care professionals, dietitians, scientists got together to set the society to help educate the public. This society was successfully formed and registered under the Malaysian Registrar of Societies in November 2021 and launched by the Deputy Minister of Health Malaysia in May 2022. A website was also created and language specific educational materials including videos were created by the members themselves. To strengthen the Society activities and aligned with international organisations, the society sought and was granted affiliated membership with the World Hypertension League and the International Society of Hypertension. A memorandum of understanding was signed with UK WASSH and Sunway University (SU) as SU is very much committed to UN Sustainable Development Goals - health is one the arms and willing to provide a lot of support for our educational activities. Furthermore, a monetary grant was successfully secured to help defray expenditure related to our educational activities. We need more salt warriors- i.e., the people who will help educate the public, food vendors, the food manufacturers and lobby public policy as well. The young and enthusiastic members have already embarked educational activities at various sites throughout the country. We believe the efforts of this new Society will have impact and by sharing this, we hope other countries in Asia will also start the battle against a high salt intake.