3.3 – Collaborations and health services

3.3.1 – Current collaborations with health institutions

COLLABORATION WITH GLOBAL, NATIONAL OR LOCAL HEALTH
INSTITUTIONS 

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has consistently demonstrated its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3): Good Health and Well-being through strategic collaborations at the global, national, and local levels. These partnerships aim to promote healthier lives and ensure well-being for all by leveraging UKM’s academic expertise, research capabilities, and healthcare facilities. At the global level, UKM partners with esteemed international health organizations and research institutes to address critical health challenges, such as infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and health system strengthening. On the national front, UKM works closely with governmental or non-governmental bodies to develop health policies, conduct research, and improve healthcare services across the country. Locally, UKM engages with various community organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to promote health awareness and provide healthcare services to underserved populations. Through initiatives such as community health screenings and health education campaigns, UKM ensures that the benefits of its research and healthcare expertise reach those in need at the grassroots level.

GLOBAL COLLABORATION

Healthcomm x UNICEF 4D CENTER

On a global level, UKM has collaborated with UKM HEALTHCOMM x C4D Centre with UNICEF since 2020 and is still ongoing. UKM HEALTHCOMM x C4D Centre focuses on general health issues that plague the local population, and basic child and youth services. In 2023, they had a fieldwork of Education Program and Health Intervention in Felda Aring, Gua Musang for three months.  The purpose of this educational and intervention field program is to prevent knowlesi malaria and to empower health officers in the Gua Musang (GM) district through a more specific and effective SBCC (Social and Behavior Change Communication) approach. A total of 176 adults, including their family members who are local residents of Felda Aring, Gua Musang, attended the intervention program.

The objective of the intervention is to reduce the number of knowlesi malaria cases in this district by promoting the use of long-sleeved clothing as a preventive behavior against mosquito bites among at-risk communities in GM. GM has recorded the highest number of knowlesi malaria cases in Peninsular Malaysia. Before this intervention program was implemented, 84 cases of malaria were recorded, but after the program, the number of cases dropped to 0 in the Felda Aring area of Gua Musang. 

NATIONAL COLLABORATION

National collaborations play a crucial role in advancing public health and addressing health challenges that require coordinated efforts across different regions and sectors. In 2023, UKM collaborated with many government agencies and NGOs to improve healthcare services. 

Community Oral Health Program

UKM Faculty of Dentistry in collaboration with the Terengganu State Dental Health Division, organized the Community Oral Health Program 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 such as dental check-ups, smoking cessation counseling, tooth brushing training, and interactive games that not only provided educational value but also helped ease children’s fears of visiting the dentist. For younger participants, a coloring contest for preschoolers and engaging activities led by the Icon Gigi made learning about oral health fun and accessible.

This program expanded its reach beyond oral health, offering 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 collaboration between UKM, the Terengganu State Health Division, and the Al-Ansar Mosque not only raised awareness about oral health but also strengthened the bond between healthcare professionals and the local community.

By integrating education, entertainment, and community engagement, the program created a lasting, positive impact, significantly contributing to the residents’ overall health and well-being.

LOCAL COLLABORATION

Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. A key element in achieving this goal is fostering local collaborations that bring together different stakeholders to address health challenges at the community level. 

Senior Citizen Day Program 2023

The Centre for Healthy Aging & Wellness (H-CARE) at the Faculty of Health Sciences, UKM, in collaboration with the Hulu Langat District Public Health Office, Senior Citizens Center (PAWE@UKM) and the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj), organized a local-level Senior Citizen Day Program 2023 on October 7, 2023. This event, held at Taman Tasik Cempaka, Bangi, was one of the initiatives to celebrate the health and well-being of senior citizens locally. The program aimed to foster community engagement and promote healthy aging, raising awareness of elderly care and wellness throughout the country.

The event featured various activities, including health screenings, a “Fun Walk,” traditional sports, cognitive stimulation games, and a children’s coloring competition. A healthy food demonstration provided practical advice on maintaining a balanced diet. Approximately 400 community members attended, including participants from four local PAWE centers and the Healthy Elderly Association. The event was made possible through sponsorship from Pantai Integrated Rehab with Premier Integrated Lab and contributions from other sponsors. This initiative exemplifies how national and local partnerships can create meaningful community engagement and improve the well-being of elderly populations.

UKM has established collaborations at various levels, demonstrating its commitment to health and well-being on a global, national, and local scale. These collaborations are not only limited to international partnerships but also span across national and community levels, creating a broad impact through integrated healthcare initiatives. Through these dynamic collaborations, UKM not only advances health services and education but also strengthens its role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) at multiple levels.