Jean-François Naa, CEO of IHH Malaysia, presented a mock cheque at the launch of the longitudinal study by the Ministry of Health and International Medical University on 08 July 2023.

The SeDia Cohort Study will encompass a comprehensive examination of various factors, from genetics and family history of diabetes to lifestyle and environmental factors, dietary regimes, physical activity, socio-economic levels and healthcare delivery. By understanding the complex connections between these factors, the aim is to uncover optimal strategies for diabetes prevention and treatment.

Subsequently, this knowledge can be translated into evidence-based public healthcare policies and programmes that are relevant to the local community. This ensures the efficacy of developed treatment and prevention initiatives in addressing the escalating burden of diabetes in Malaysia.

This 12-year study marks the first important step towards obtaining data that is socio-culturally relevant to the local community. It involves over 5,000 patients registered as part of the Klinik Kesihatan Seremban’s Diabetes Registry and over 7,000 of their family members, to investigate the complex web of interactions that contribute to the development of diabetes and its complications.