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.

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) with Indonesian Universities – Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS) and 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.

Disadvantaged Peoples

Titian Kasih Program – Program with Orphanage Home 

The UKM Faculty of Dentistry organized a meaningful outreach program at Titian Kasih orphanage in Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur, on October 14, 2023. The initiative brought together 45 children and adolescents, aged 3 to 16, for essential dental health examinations. This impactful event was supported by key organizations, including the Alliance for a Cavity-Free Future Malaysian Chapter (ACFFMC), the Malaysian Association of Dental Public Health Specialists (MADPHS), the Malaysian Association of Paediatric Dentistry, the Ministry of Health, and Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM).

The program offered free dental check-ups and fluoride gel applications for children in need, empowering them with preventive care. Additionally, children learned proper brushing techniques with the guidance of Dental Therapists and Dental Surgery Assistants. Engaging educational activities in science, mathematics, English, arts and crafts, and fun games were organized to enrich the children’s experience and spark their curiosity in a supportive, joyful environment.

UKM’s health outreach initiatives exemplify its dedication to enhancing community well-being across diverse populations. Through targeted programs, UKM addressed critical health needs, such as post-flood relief health checks in Kampung Bangi, which provided essential care to flood victims, and a comprehensive oral health program in Terengganu that engaged 500 participants with check-ups and educational activities. For underserved communities, UKM collaborated with Indonesian institutions to deliver oral health education to stateless children, improving access to dental care. Additionally, the Titian Kasih Program offered preventive dental services and enrichment activities to orphaned children, supported by prominent health organizations. Collectively, these programs reflect UKM’s commitment to health equity, community resilience, and SDG 3 of promoting good health and well-being for all.