In a spirited initiative to enhance healthcare accessibility and awareness, the “Empowering Indigenous Community Project-Healthcare” brought a beacon of hope to the indigenous villages of Kampung Satak and Kampung Rensong in Raub, Pahang. This impactful program aimed to bridge healthcare gaps through comprehensive screenings and dynamic educational sessions.

Driven by the collaborative efforts of the Universiti Malaya Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya Faculty of Dentistry, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), and PPB Group Berhad, the initiative was further bolstered by the invaluable support of the Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia (BCWA), and the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM). These partnerships were crucial in delivering essential healthcare services and addressing the unique health challenges faced by these communities.

Held from July 26th to 28th, 2024, the program featured a range of health screenings and educational sessions. The initiative was strategically promoted by the village heads (Tok Batins), Raub District Health Office and the headmaster of SK Satak, resulting in participation from residents of Kampung Satak, Kampung Rensong, and several neighbouring villages. The three-day programme aimed to deliver comprehensive health screenings and health education, focusing on prevalent health issues like hypertension, diabetes, and dental problems. Educational sessions covered topics such as breast cancer awareness, nutrition, non-communicable diseases, and oral hygiene.

The first day of the program involved the lower secondary school students of SK Satak, involving 65 adolescents in total. The day began with a talk on “Common Pubertal Issues in Teens,” followed by a hands-on tooth-brushing session using plaque-disclosing tablets, where students learned the correct toothbrushing technique. The session concluded with health education through interactive games. Students were divided into groups and rotated through four stations: a “Myth or Fact” game on nutrition, handwashing techniques using soap and running water, a snake and ladders game where questions on oral health had to be answered to move forward, and a Q&A and practical session on flossing.

The second and third days were open to the entire community, offering a wide range of services for all age groups. Activities included oral examinations, full mouth fluoride application, scaling, silver diamine fluoride (SDF) treatment, basic treatment, and oral health education through tooth-brushing activities. Medical screenings included anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI calculation), blood pressure measurement, capillary glucose, capillary cholesterol, capillary haemoglobin measurement, and visual acuity tests for both short-sightedness and long-sightedness. Medical consultations were provided for adults, while pediatric consultations catered to children under 18. The Raub District Health Office also conducted Tuberculosis screening for the villagers in Kampung Rensong, where Mantoux tests were administered to the villagers earlier, and the readings were subsequently done during the program. The BCWA team conducted clinical breast examinations and taught participants techniques of breast self-examination, while the NCSM team provided HPV vaccinations. Additionally, PPB Group Berhad distributed essential items such as rice, cooking oil, sardines, flour, biscuits, bread, and soap to the villagers.

The programme benefited a total of 420 villagers (289 adults and 131 children) through medical screenings and consultations. Participants requiring further investigation or treatment were referred to nearby health clinics. The dental team examined 402 individuals, in addition to providing them with essential dental education. Furthermore, 260 women received education on breast self-examination, and clinical breast examinations were performed for 192 women, identifying abnormal findings in two individuals. Last but not least, 102 villagers received free HPV vaccination during this 2-day program. These combined efforts highlight the comprehensive approach to addressing various health needs within the community.

Coordinating a large group of volunteers and managing multiple services amidst an unexpectedly high turnout posed significant challenges. Nonetheless, these challenges were effectively handled through strong teamwork and efficient coordination by the project managers. Beyond the numbers, the programme’s societal impact was evident in the increased awareness and active engagement of local residents in health screenings. The community’s involvement was crucial for the early detection of non-communicable diseases and for improving health literacy while fostering positive lifestyle changes. From an academic perspective, the program offered invaluable hands-on experience for postgraduate students who volunteered for this programme, enhancing their skills in community outreach. This initiative also aims to reduce the financial burden of hospitalizations by emphasizing preventive measures and early intervention for non-communicable diseases, thereby aligning with broader efforts to strengthen the healthcare system.

The “Empowering Indigenous Community Project-Healthcare” successfully met its objectives of delivering essential healthcare services and laying the foundation for a healthier, more informed community. This endeavour underscores our department’s unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access and raising health awareness among marginalised communities. We celebrate this achievement and reiterate our dedication to serving and empowering communities for a healthier, brighter future.

Report prepared by: Dr Sumitra Ropini a/p Karuthan, Medical Officer, Department of Public Health, Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC).