As a public health physician, my “on call” shifts usually mean staying close to Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), ready to respond  to emergencies, disease outbreaks or unexpected public health events. But last week, my on call looked very different. Instead of UMMC or our outbreak control room, my destination was the masjid in Bandar Tun Hussein Onn. 

This time, I joined colleagues from UMMC’s Department of Public Health, led by our bright registrar, Dr Sumitra Karuthan, alongside partners from HOPE@PPUM (Health Outreach Program & Education) and the Departments of Primary Care, Sports Medicine and Medicine, working shoulder to shoulder to kick off a neighbourhood health challenge: their very own ‘Biggest Loser’ competition. 

Now, this was not just about weight loss. It was bigger. It was about the neighbourhood of Bandar Tun Hussein Onn deciding collectively to get healthier together. The day began with a talk on kidney health, right after the early morning prayers, followed by a dynamic stretching session. Then began the health screenings, personalised counselling, one-to-one advice on lifestyle changes and of course, enrolment in the competition. Participants came for everything from body measurements and blood pressure checks to nutritional guidance.  

One detail I loved was the way Dr Sumitra had set up separate lanes for men and women during the health checks. I must say that this was not to divide people but to remove both seen and unseen social and cultural barriers. In Malaysia, such sensitivities can discourage participation. A simple change like this can make all the difference. It certainly did that day as about 200 people turned up, filling the masjid hall with energy and a shared sense of purpose. 

Why community-driven health works 

Public health has always been about more than hospitals and clinics. The greatest determinants of health namely diet, exercise, smoking, stress and social support happen outside healthcare facilities in the places where people live, work and play. That is why initiatives that begin within communities often have the most lasting impact. 

When residents design and lead their own programmes, at least three things happen.  

First, ownership increases commitment. People show up because it is their event. They invite their neighbours and cheer each other on, creating a positive cycle of participation. 

Second, relevance improves outcomes. Locals know what will work best for their own community. It might be a weekend walk at the park, a cooking demonstration at the masjid or a friendly sepak takraw competition. 

Third, support becomes social. Habits are easier to stick to when friends and family are involved. Peer encouragement and sometimes a little friendly competition is a powerful motivator. 

The cancer connection 

Why does this matter for cancer prevention and outcomes? Because healthy communities mean healthier individuals and many cancers are linked to lifestyle factors. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, eating nutritious food, avoiding tobacco and moderating alcohol intake all play a role in lowering cancer risk. 

The World Cancer Research Fund estimates that at least 40% of cancers could be prevented through lifestyle and environmental changes. That is not merely a statistic. It is an opportunity. By embedding these changes into daily life through community-driven activities, we make prevention a shared journey rather than an individual struggle. 

The Bandar Tun Hussein Onn “Biggest Loser” challenge may seem small in the grand scheme of public health. But scale it up. Imagine if every neighbourhood in Malaysia had its own health challenge tailored to local needs, sustained by local energy and supported by partnerships with hospitals and universities. The ripple effect could be enormous. 

A lesson from the ground 

The atmosphere that day was electric. Laughter mingled with the beeps of health monitoring devices. People stayed long after their measurements were done, chatting, exchanging tips and talking about future group activities. The competition gave the day excitement but the real win was the sense of belonging and shared responsibility. 

By the end of the day it was clear that this was not just an event. It was the beginning of a health movement within the community. 

Where we go from here 

If we want healthier nations, we need to rethink our approach. Yes, we need well-equipped hospitals, cutting-edge cancer treatments and skilled healthcare professionals. But we also need living, breathing communities that champion their own health, where prevention is as natural as the pasar malam and where neighbours are partners in wellness. 

For public health professionals like me, these moments are as valuable as any clinical intervention. They remind us that health is a shared responsibility. Hospitals treat illness. Communities can prevent it. When the two work together, the results can be transformative. 

The next time you hear about a neighbourhood health fair, a local exercise group or even a friendly “Biggest Loser” challenge, do not dismiss it as just another event. See it for what it is: a powerful grassroots force for change. 

Because the path to a healthier Malaysia and a future with less cancer might just begin in your own neighbourhood.