UNFPA Malaysia is committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights for all, with a focus on maternal health, sexual and reproductive health services, and the unique needs of young people. Working closely with government agencies and civil society partners, our programmes aim to address remaining gaps in Malaysia’s robust healthcare system, especially with regard to marginalised and underserved populations in the country. Guided by our 2022-2025 Country Programme Action Plan, our recent programmes reflect a commitment to advancing health equity so that no one is left behind.
Our Programmes and Initiatives:
Maternal Health
Malaysia has made significant progress in reducing maternal mortality, achieving a relatively low maternal mortality ratio of 23.8 per 100,000 live births as of 2015. UNFPA Malaysia is committed to making every pregnancy wanted and every childbirth safe by closing remaining gaps in maternal health, especially for women in marginalized and underserved communities. Our 2022 study on confinement centres across Malaysia has informed policy recommendations for better regulation and quality assurance in the postnatal care industry and UNFPA Malaysia is involved in ongoing high-level discussions on the matter These efforts are part of our mission to further reduce maternal mortality and ensure that all women, regardless of background, have access to quality maternal health services
Sexual and Reproductive Health Services
UNFPA’s work in sexual and reproductive health focuses on expanding access to accurate information and essential services for all, with special attention to marginalised and underserved populations. Our collaboration with the National Population and Family Development Board (Lembaga Penduduk dan Pembangunan Keluarga Negara, or LPPKN) has enabled us to reach communities and provide health screenings, contraceptive counseling, and education. We actively promote family planning as a cornerstone of family well-being and national development. Using various strategies and channels, we work to dispel myths, reduce stigma and encourage the use of modern contraceptives - all to address the high unmet need for family planning in Malaysia. To better understand and address barriers, we are presently conducting a comprehensive study on family planning practices among Malaysian women. Findings from the study will inform future strategies, in-line with UNFPA Malaysia's commitment to evidence-based approaches
The Unique Needs of Young People
Empowering young people with knowledge and skills to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health is at the heart of UNFPA’s programmes. Through the PEKERTI@Institute and PEKERTI@Community programmes, we have trained facilitators in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres and conducted interactive workshops for adolescents and parents, including parents with children with disabilities. These programmes equip young people with decision-making and interpersonal skills, while also empowering parents and educators to communicate confidently about reproductive health. Our Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) Advocacy Forums, held in states with high rates of teenage pregnancy and child marriage, bring together parents, religious leaders, and medical professionals to foster open dialogue and support for comprehensive sexuality education. By integrating CSE into teacher-training courses and expanding technology-driven learning, we are building a generation of informed, resilient young Malaysians.
