Experts agree that severe acute hepatitis in children is uncommon, though they differ in their views on the link of the liver disease to Covid-19 and adenovirus.
The 4-year-old needed a liver transplant; Indonesia reported three deaths of children with the unidentified form of hepatitis, while Singapore reported one hospitalised case of an infant.
Universiti Malaya consultant hepatologist Dr Rosmawati Mohamed says the immediate goal of the alliance is to develop a strategic road map to enhance prevention, early detection, care and control of primary liver cancer in Malaysia.
Destigmatisation is an important part of the public health effort in eliminating hepatitis as fear of discrimination and stigma can prevent people from getting tested and treated.