A Social Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) programme as part of a comprehensive approach to salt reduction in Malaysia (WHO Results Report 2022)

WHO Mid-Term Results Report 2022-2023 Country Impact Story

Hypertension affects around one third of adults in Malaysia, making it a primary risk factor for mortality and disability. Excessive salt consumption is a major contributor to high blood pressure, with the average Malaysian consuming 7.9 g of salt per day, more than 50% higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended daily intake of 5.0 g of salt. This is equivalent to 2.0 g of sodium, the component of table salt which contributes to hypertension. To combat this issue, WHO has recommended salt reduction interventions as best buys and set a global target to reduce mean population salt intake by 30% by 2025 for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). To promote salt reduction in Malaysia, the Ministry of Health (MoH) together with WHO, initiated a Social Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) programme. By the end of December 2022, over five million people had been reached by salt reduction Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials, shown to result in a measurable increase in knowledge, attitude, and intention to practice salt reduction.

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