In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, nations have grappled with the harsh realities of widespread mortality and the vulnerabilities within their public health systems. As we collectively transition into the endemic phase, fortifying our public health strategies for potential future crises becomes crucial.
 

Unravelling Inequities: A Malaysian Case Study

Our focus turns to Malaysia, a country that has weathered the storm of the pandemic, revealing critical insights into sex and age differentials in COVID-19 fatality across its diverse states. A comprehensive study led by Sunway University’s Associate Professor Dr Jane Teh Kimm Lii and Professor Teo Kok Lay has been conducted to shed light on these disparities.
 

Methodical Insights: Data Analysis

The approach involved a meticulous analysis of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Malaysia from January 2020 to April 2022. By computing the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) for each state across distinct periods, namely January–December 2020, January–June 2021, July–December 2021, and January–April 2022, the research aimed to unravel the dynamics of fatality within the nation. Employing Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the team unearthed patterns in the data, providing a multivariate visualisation of COVID-19 fatality trends in Malaysia.

Key Findings: Unveiling Heterogeneity and Vulnerabilities

The study's results paint a nuanced picture of COVID-19 fatality, revealing significant heterogeneity and pinpointing vulnerable states. Notably, states in the northern region (Kelantan, Perlis) and on the East Coast (Sabah, Sarawak) emerged as focal points of concern. In Kelantan, a striking sex disparity was uncovered, with the CFR among older females surpassing their male counterparts. Meanwhile, Sabah exhibited a relatively higher CFR among the child population from 2020 to 2021.

Implications and Recommendations: Navigating the Complex Landscape

These findings offer a deeper understanding of the complexity surrounding COVID-19 fatality, providing valuable insights for Malaysia's government as it navigates future health crises. The Malaysian case study is a compelling narrative, emphasising the imperative to address regional disparities and implement targeted strategies to safeguard vulnerable subgroups.

In conclusion, the journey through the data has illuminated the path forward for Malaysia and, by extension, for nations worldwide. As we grapple with the evolving landscape of public health, the lessons learned from Malaysia's experience, analysed by these distinguished researchers, serve as a beacon to guide us towards a future where equity and preparedness are at the forefront.
 

Associate Professor Dr Jane Teh Kimm Lii
School of Mathematical Sciences
Email: @email

Professor Teo Kok Lay
School of Mathematical Sciences
Email: @email
 

This article has been adapted from Jane K. L. Teh, Kok Lay Teo, David A. Bradley, Jack Bee Chook, Woo Teck Ang & Suat-Cheng Peh (2024), State-level differentials in COVID-19 fatality: exploring age and sex disparities in Malaysia’s pandemic experience, DOI:10.1007/s44155-024-00068-2