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The Malaysian Helmet Initiatives has been recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a Cooperative Helmet Initiative Program (CHIP) for a period of two years from 1999 to 2000. It is the first such program in a developing country and is a multicentre and multisectoral program. The organisations involved are the University of Malaya, University of Science, National University of Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Ministry of Health, Royal Malaysia Police, and the National Road Safety Council. The program is funded by a research grant under the Intensification of Research in Priority Areas scheme of the government. A summary of the WHO/CHIP program is give below (taken from www.sph.emory.edu/Helmets/initiative.html).

In 1991, the WHO/CHIP program was created to promote the use of bicycle and motorcycle helmets world wide. By promoting helmet use, the helmet initiative will ultimately reduce the number of head injuries from cycle crashes. It serves to stimulate public health agencies to address injury control issues and to promote effective interventions. The WHO/CHIP program is based at the Center for Injury Control of the Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University located in Atlanta, Georgia. The initiative has adopted four strategies to promote universal helmet use. These strategies are complementary and were chosen as key collaborative elements in the world program.

1. Collect and distribute better data.

2. Develop a generic program to promote the use of helmets.

3. Evaluate legislative approaches to assist in the promotion of helmets.

4. Encourage international collaboration for the promotion of helmets.

The WHO/CHIP program maintains a library of helmet resource information on the internet through the world wide web. An international network of helmet promotion programs is being established to expand and strengthen world wide helmet promotion activities. Cooperating CHIP centres of excellence are chosen by the WHO/CHIP program (based on the application by the centre) in recognition for their efforts to promote and helmets and their ability to serve others as a resource for information on helmet promotion.