We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Munazieraa binti Ab Aziz has successfully defended her Doctor of Public Health thesis titled “Prevalence and Determinants of Anaemia Among Orang Asli Adolescents in Peninsular Malaysia.” This groundbreaking research sheds light on a critical health issue affecting indigenous communities in Malaysia.
She was supervised by Professor Dr. Hazreen Abdul Majid, Dr. Maslinor Ismail and Dr. Ng Ai Kah. We would like to thank Professor Dr. Zaleha Md Isa from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Professor Dr. Noran Naqiah Mohd Hairi for examining the thesis and Professor Dr. Tay Sun Tee for chairing the Viva Voce session, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Farazila Yusof, Senate Represetative, Professor Dr. Shahrul Bahyah Kamaruzzaman, Deputy Dean (Postgraduate) and Dr. Victor CW Hoe the Head of Department for their participation in the viva voce.
Dr. Munazieraa’s comprehensive study, combining a systematic review and a cross-sectional study of 404 Orang Asli adolescents, reveals that 31.0% of these young people are affected by anaemia, with 45.5% suffering from moderate to severe cases. This prevalence is significantly higher than the national average, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Key findings from Dr. Ab Aziz’s research include:
- Identification of risk factors such as chewing betel, soil-transmitted helminth infections, and hemoglobinopathies
- Socioeconomic and environmental factors contributing to anaemia, including living in rural areas and using river water
- Protective factors like having a home toilet and taking iron-folate supplementation
Dr. Munazieraa’s work has already made an impact in the field, with a publication in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health and two media articles raising awareness about the anaemia crisis among Orang Asli children.
This research contributes significantly to our understanding of health disparities affecting indigenous populations in Malaysia. Dr. Ab Aziz’s findings emphasize the need for collaborative efforts involving government agencies, NGOs, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to address this complex issue.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Dr. Munazieraa binti Ab Aziz on this remarkable achievement. Her dedication to improving the health outcomes of marginalized communities will undoubtedly contribute to more effective strategies and interventions for combating anaemia among Orang Asli adolescents.
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