3.3 – Collaborations and health services

3.3.2 – Health outreach programmes

Local Communities

Post-Flood Relief Health Checks in Kampung Bangi

In conjunction with a post-flood relief mission organized by the Student Affairs Center, staff from the University Health Centre and volunteer students conducted door-to-door health checks for flood victims in Kampung Bangi, Pekan Bangi. This initiative aimed to ensure that affected residents received the necessary health care and support during a time of crisis.

The door-to-door health checks included monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure and blood sugar levels, as well as providing health consultations tailored to the needs of flood victims. This hands-on approach allowed health care providers to reach individuals who may not have been able to access health services due to the aftermath of the flooding. The initiative not only addressed immediate health concerns but also demonstrated the university’s commitment to supporting local communities during times of need, enhancing community resilience and well-being.

The initiatives outlined in this report underscore the importance of local community engagement in achieving SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being. Through targeted health screenings, proactive disaster response, innovative educational workshops, and sustainability programs, UKM has made significant strides in improving the health and well-being of local communities. These efforts not only address immediate health needs but also empower individuals and communities to take an active role in maintaining their health, thus contributing to the overall goal of ensuring healthy lives for all.

Continued local engagement and collaboration will be essential as UKM and its partners work to address the evolving health challenges faced by communities, fostering a healthier, more resilient society.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/NBxcYnEYk9Qumx4o/

The Community Oral Health Program

The Community Oral Health Program organized by the Faculty of Dentistry, UKM, in collaboration with the Terengganu State Dental Health Division, made a significant impact on the local community on June 10, 2023. With nearly 500 attendees from the local community, the program offered a range of beneficial activities designed to promote oral health and overall well-being. Key highlights included dental check-ups, smoking cessation counseling, tooth brushing training, and interactive games that not only educated children but also helped reduce their fear of visiting the dentist. For younger participants, a coloring contest for preschoolers and engaging activities by the Icon Gigi made oral health education enjoyable and accessible. 

The program extended beyond oral health, featuring health screenings conducted by KOSPEN Health Agents, fitness activities by the Wellness Hub Team, and informative exhibitions from the Non-Communicable Disease Control Unit, YaPEIM Mobile Squad, and LPPKN. The event concluded with a lucky draw, offering prizes to both local residents and participants.

The success of this event, made possible by the strong support from the local mosque committee and the Al-Ansar Mosque Imam, as well as the close cooperation with the Terengganu State Health Division, not only enhanced community oral health awareness but also fostered deeper connections between healthcare professionals and the local community. Through fun, education, and engagement, this program left a lasting positive impact, contributing to the overall health and well-being of the residents.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/XgVANncUiGoHe78R/

Refugees/ Immigrants Communities  

Oral Health Education Program Implementation

The “Oral Health Education Program Implementation” is a year-long project initiated on January 1st, 2023, and concluded on December 31st, 2023. This initiative, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurul Asyikin Yahya, involved collaboration between the Faculty of Dentistry at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS), Universitas Negeri Makassar (UNM), and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuala Lumpur. The project focused on providing oral health education to stateless children residing in Madrasatul Mahmudiah, Kampung Chubadak Hilir, Sentul, Kuala Lumpur.

The project involved a series of educational workshops and hands-on activities designed to promote good oral hygiene practices among stateless children. The program also aimed to address common oral health issues prevalent within this community due to a lack of access to regular dental care. By the end of the project, the children had not only gained valuable knowledge about oral hygiene but also received necessary dental care, including cleanings and basic treatments. The initiative contributed to improving the overall health and well-being of these children, who often face significant barriers to accessing healthcare.

Students Community Engagement Program (BaktiSiswa 2023)

On July 15, 2023, UKM dental students participated in the “Students Community Engagement Program (BaktiSiswa 2023)” at Al Ikhlas Refugee School & Centre in Batu Caves. This program was part of an ongoing effort to involve UKM students in volunteerism, with a specific focus on providing oral health education to refugee students.

During the program, the dental students conducted oral health workshops, which included demonstrations of proper brushing techniques, discussions on the importance of dental hygiene, and interactive sessions to engage the refugee students. The initiative provided an invaluable opportunity for the dental students to develop their skills in community service while also making a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of the refugee children. The refugee students, in turn, gained essential knowledge and skills to maintain their oral health, contributing to their overall well-being in an environment where access to healthcare is limited.

Disadvantaged Peoples

PROGRAM KHIDMAT KOMUNITI (PKK) UNTUK KANAK-KANAK AUTISM  TANPA KERAKYATAN

On November 17, 2023, a dedicated programme for children with Autism was conducted at the National Autism Society (NASOM) center in Gombak, Selangor. The event was attended by 47 children, aged between 4 and 14 years. The programme was designed to cater to the unique needs of autistic children, providing a safe and supportive environment for engagement and learning.

The activities during the programme were carefully curated to be inclusive, engaging and therapeutic, allowing the children to express themselves in a way that suits their abilities. The event featured interactive sessions, sensory activities and individualized support that helped the children develop social, cognitive and motor skills in a comfortable setting. The program’s success highlights the importance of creating tailored interventions that accommodate the diverse needs of autistic children, ensuring that they too can achieve their full potential in a supportive environment.

The initiatives outlined in this report demonstrate a strong commitment to addressing the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations. Through targeted programs for autistic children, the elderly and the Orang Asli community, UKM and its partners have made significant strides in ensuring that these vulnerable groups receive the care and support they need. These efforts align with the broader goal of SDG 3, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and equity in promoting health and well-being for all. Continued focus on the needs of disadvantaged populations will be essential to achieving SDG 3, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of better health and well-being.