Co-Creating Solutions for Stunting: 1st 1000 Days Initiative Workshop

13–15 May 2025 | Dorsett Putrajaya

The Ministry of Health Malaysia, in collaboration with UNICEF, hosted a three-day workshop at Dorsett Putrajaya from 13 to 15 May 2025, bringing together key stakeholders to advance the implementation of the First 1000 Days Initiative. Among the distinguished participants was Professor Victor Hoe from the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, whose presence underscored the department’s ongoing commitment to early childhood health.

This strategic engagement convened over 100 participants across government agencies, healthcare institutions, NGOs, academia, and community-based organisations. The goal was to co-develop a standardised implementation protocol for rolling out the First 1000 Days Initiative across 64 Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) communities in Kuala Lumpur, in line with the National Strategic Plan to Combat the Double Burden of Malnutrition Among Children in Malaysia (2022–2030).

Catalysing Multi-Sectoral Collaboration

Workshop highlights included thematic plenary sessions, interactive discussions, and a World Café session that encouraged inclusive dialogue on topics such as service delivery gaps, community health worker models, sustainability, and advocacy. These discussions facilitated the exchange of practical insights and strategies across diverse perspectives.

Notably, the workshop also benefitted from the expertise of Universiti Malaya alumni: Dr Peter Gan (Ministry of Health Malaysia), Dr Joey Eng Jui Yee (Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF Malaysia), and Hue Hwa Ching (Consultant, Health, Nutrition and Population, World Bank Group, Malaysia). Their contributions helped shape the workshop’s collaborative outcomes, drawing from both local experiences and global best practices.

Pathways Forward

Outcomes from the workshop include a preliminary framework for standardised protocols that incorporate community governance, scalable interventions, and digital tools to support programme design and implementation. Participants highlighted the need for continued community involvement and cross-sector partnerships to ensure long-term success.

This initiative marks an important step in Malaysia’s public health journey, affirming that sustainable solutions to stunting must be grounded in local realities and collaborative leadership.

Acknowledgements

The Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, extends its appreciation to the Ministry of Health Malaysia and UNICEF for organising this impactful workshop. We also recognise the valuable contributions of our faculty, alumni, and international partners.