Pfizer (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

– Estimated 237,000 people were reached out through PPVs, Community Clinics and MOH website and another 78,000 people via our partners.

The global pandemic has triggered an enormous strain on Malaysian’s mental health and well-being, causing stress, anxiety, depression and even increased suicidal acts. Helpline calls received by government agencies during the pandemic revealed that 89.4% were related to mental health issues. Hence, Pfizer Malaysia embraced the responsibility to act and address this issue urgently through an integrated, cross-sectoral, and multi-disciplinary efforts leveraging on the 23-year community outreach program that had previously served more than 156,000 underprivileged and underserved populations. Since misconception and stigma on mental health remains prevalent, it is imperative to educate public on mindset shift and renewed behavior towards mental health issues.

The Mental Health Resilience Project is a holistic initiative targeting various populations through partnerships with government agencies, medical societies, tertiary institutions, NGOs, and private organizations. Digital banners were developed to increase mental health awareness and displayed at COVID-19 vaccination centers (PPV), COVID-19 Assessment Centers (CAC), Ministry of Health (MOH) official website, and Community Clinics to disseminate accurate mental health information. Through QR code, a Mental Health Handbook is downloadable, and a public helpline is offered via collaboration with Malaysian Red Crescent Society. It is estimated that 70,000 people were reached through PPV, 15,000 to 17,000 through Community Clinics and 150,000 more via the MOH website. In maximizing public outreach to the B40 communities, Pfizer joined forces with University Malaya, International Islamic University of Malaysia, and University Technology MARA to conduct programs with PPR Gombak Setia, addressing mental health issues, economic entrepreneurship, and urban farming activities. Pfizer also utilized digital solutions via partnership with telemedicine corporations which are BookDoc and DoctorOnCall, impacting more than 67,000 people through digital campaigns.

Convenient access to mental health information empowers more Malaysians to prioritize their mental well-being and reduce the barriers in seeking help. Through effective public awareness initiatives, we firmly believe the attitude of Malaysians toward mental disorders will improve, in line with the 12th Malaysia Plan and Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat.