Question 1

Treatment and long-term management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) for B40 community using technology​

Accepted Answer

In 2019, it was estimated that 73.6% from total 154,000 deaths were due to Non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This includes diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol which are the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases that are the leading cause of death in Malaysia. The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) reveals that the prevalence of NCD continues to rise in Malaysia in the past few years with an estimated 3.9 million (18.3%) adults living with diabetes, 6.4 million (30.0%) with hypertension, 8 million (38.1%) with hypercholesterolemia.​
​
It is also alarming that  the prevalence of NCD is higher in those from the bottom forty or B40 income categories compared to the middle forty (M40) and top twenty (T20) income groups. The major issues in treatment of NCDs for the B40 community are lack of awareness and acceptance of the diseases, leading to lack of proper disease management. Often, they only realised that they have NCD at a chronic stage and by then it would be difficult for them to reduce  health risk/complication. Long term monitoring and lifestyle changes in terms of diet and exercise are not given adequate importance. Ease of  access to hospitals and medicines are also barriers for optimizing care.​
​
Leveraging technologies can have a positive impact in managing NCDs as this will be able to increase access to timely intervention and help in continuing treatment. We look for potential ideas or solutions that can assist the B40 community to get better access to cost effective treatment and  long-term management of NCD using technology.​
 
Problem statement:​
How might we create a more accessible and cost effective access to treatments of NCDs using technology for B40 community.
​How might we increase acceptance of long-term management of NCDs for the B40 population using technology for better health management.
Sources: ​
National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019: Non-communicable diseases, healthcare demand, and health literacy—Key Findings​
National Strategic Plan for Non-Communicable Disease (NSPNCD) 2016-2025​
Urban Health and the Prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases in Malaysia, Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences

Question 2

Innovative, trustable and accessible mental health services for adolescents​"

Accepted Answer

There are about 5.5 million adolescents (aged 13 to 17 years) in Malaysia. A national survey by the Ministry of Health revealed that in 2017 about 10-20% of Malaysian adolescents were having psychosocial problems. In addition to that, 11% of Malaysian secondary school students face severe depression, anxiety and stress which are amongst the mental health issues that are increasing year by year.​
​
Adolescent period comes with its own challenges, insecurities, and sensitivities, in addition to which there are other factors that contribute to mental health issues. Among common challenges adolescents face are emotional problems ( including children who feel unhappy and often worry), hyperactivity (including restlessness) and lack of pro-social skills including. ​
​
Majority of adolescents who are dealing with mental health issues are not getting the appropriate care needed. The most common reasons preventing people from obtaining assistance includes the stigma attached to mental health issues, and the fear or shame associated with it and the lack of acceptance of having a problem by self and others. We look for potential ideas or solutions in providing innovative, trustable and accessible mental health services for adolescents.
 
Problem statement:​
How might we enable trustworthy and accessible mental health services and support system for adolescents.
 
Sources: ​
Social Inequalities and Health in Malaysia: The State of Households 2020 Part III. – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Khazanah Research Institute​
National health & morbidity survey 2017, adolescent mental health​
National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019: Non-communicable diseases, healthcare demand, and health literacy—Key Findings

FOLLOW US

Our Challenge Areas

Education & Skill

Empowering teachers and/or parents of children with learning disabilities

Food & Agriculture

Innovative ways to bridge financial access to smallholder farmers

Health & Hygiene

Treatment and long-term management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) for B40 community using technology

Innovative, trustable and accessible mental health services for adolescents"

Personal & Financial Security

Innovative methods to increase the rate of savings among young adults and children

Financial literacy and services for small business owners and micro-enterprises

Wildcard

Working the Blank Canvas