MOH To Focus On FTTIS, Surveillance Upon 100% Vaccination

Regular testing using self-test kits and breathalysers that can quickly detect Covid-19 infection will be used to contain the spread of the virus, says Khairy Jamaluddin.

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) will focus on FTTIS (find, test, trace, isolate and support), surveillance, and community awareness strategies to manage the risks of Covid-19 once nationwide vaccination hits 100 per cent.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, in a written reply in Parliament on October 4, said regular testing using self-test kits and breathalysers that can quickly detect coronavirus infections will be used to contain the spread of the virus.

Additionally, surveillance based on events, indicators, lab tests, and the environment such as wastewater, air, and surface monitoring will be conducted to keep track of incidence rates in a given population, Khairy said.

He said this in response to Senator Razali Idris’ question on the government’s public health approach in reducing Covid-19 transmission once vaccine coverage reaches 100 per cent.

Currently, about 73 per cent of Malaysia’s total population has been fully vaccinated, as well as 95 per cent of the adult population.

Khairy added that mild Covid-19 cases will be monitored under primary care as the majority of new infections will comprise Categories One and Two cases. 

“This is to ensure that MOH hospitals have adequate capacity and can offer effective treatment for vulnerable and high-risk groups in the event there is an increase in severe cases,” he said.

The cultivation of new normal practices [3C (Crowded, Confined, Close Conversation) and 3W (Wash, Warn, Wear)] will also be enhanced. Khairy said community leaders are empowered to help ensure that communities can self-isolate and self-quarantine.

The participation of civil societies will also be strengthened as communities will constantly be in need of support to ensure that they are resilient enough to make it through the endemic phase.

You may also like