Dalam satu temu bual di Selamat Pagi Malaysia, Prof Madya Dr Hazreen Abd Majid dari Jabatan Perubatan Kemsayarakatan dan Pencegahan, Faculti Perubatan, Universiti Malaya berbincang mengenai COVID-19: Nak Buat Apa Lagi?

Highlights from the Interview

In an interview on “Selamat Pagi Malaysia,” Associate Professor Dr. Hazreen Abd Majid from the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine at the University of Malaya discussed the ongoing challenges and strategies in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. The interview, titled “COVID-19: Nak Buat Apa Lagi?” (COVID-19: What Else Can We Do?), was published on September 6, 2021, and provided valuable insights into the multifaceted approach required to combat the pandemic effectively.

Key Points from the Interview

Current Situation and Challenges:
- Ongoing Struggle: Dr. Hazreen highlighted that despite various measures, the fight against COVID-19 is far from over. The virus continues to pose significant challenges, particularly with the emergence of new variants.
- Public Fatigue: There is a growing sense of fatigue among the public due to prolonged restrictions and the continuous threat of the virus. This fatigue can lead to complacency and reduced adherence to preventive measures.
Vaccination Efforts:
- Importance of Vaccination: Dr. Hazreen emphasized the critical role of vaccination in controlling the pandemic. Vaccines are essential in reducing the severity of the disease, preventing hospitalizations, and ultimately saving lives.
- Boosting Vaccination Rates: Efforts must continue to ensure high vaccination coverage, including reaching out to hesitant populations and making vaccines accessible to all.
Preventive Measures:
- Continued Vigilance: Even with vaccination, it is crucial to maintain preventive measures such as mask-wearing, physical distancing, and hand hygiene. These measures help reduce transmission and protect vulnerable populations.
- Adapting Strategies: The strategies to combat COVID-19 must be adaptable to the evolving situation. This includes being prepared for potential surges in cases and the emergence of new variants.
Public Health Communication:
- Clear Messaging: Effective communication is vital in ensuring public compliance with health measures. Clear, consistent, and transparent messaging helps build trust and encourages adherence to guidelines.
- Community Engagement: Engaging with communities and involving local leaders can enhance the effectiveness of public health campaigns. Tailored messages that resonate with specific communities can improve compliance and support.
Mental Health Considerations:
- Addressing Mental Health: The pandemic has taken a toll on mental health, with increased levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. It is essential to provide mental health support and resources to help individuals cope with the ongoing challenges.
- Holistic Approach: A holistic approach that addresses both physical and mental health is necessary for a comprehensive response to the pandemic.

Conclusion

Dr. Hazreen Abd Majid’s interview underscores the importance of a multifaceted approach in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. While vaccination remains a cornerstone of the response, continued vigilance with preventive measures, effective public health communication, and addressing mental health are equally crucial. The fight against COVID-19 requires sustained efforts, adaptability, and community engagement to navigate the ongoing challenges and work towards a safer future.