HEALTH MINISTRY TO USE FACEBOOK, TWITTER TO DISSEMINATE INFO

KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Bernama) -- In a bid to improve its services for the
public, the Health Ministry has enlisted the use of social website Facebook and
Twitter as mediums of communication to disseminate information on health
and health related issues.

Deputy Health Minister Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said information
channeled through Facebook and Twitter accounts under her name would enable
immediate feedback and interaction with online friends.

"The ministry is adapting and providing the latest information through
Facebook such as the ministry's plans this year, including on high blood
pressure and cardiovascular disease prevention campaigns.

"This approach can also increase public awareness on the importance of a
healthy lifestyle and the risks of infectious diseases such as Influenza A
(H1N1) and H1N1 vaccination," she told reporters after attending the 'Evening
Chat on Health with Facebook, Twitter and Media Friends' attended by about 1,000
people at Titiwangsa Lake Garden, here Sunday.

She added that she currently has about 6,000 friends through her Facebook
and Twitter account, as well as another 15,000 friends in another Facebook
account since it was opened last year.