On 15 and 16 February 2025, the Health Outreach Programme and Education at Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya (HOPE@PPUM) conducted a meaningful community outreach initiative at the Balai Raya Kampung Orang Asli Sena, Pekan, Pahang Darul Makmur. The programme focused on delivering essential healthcare services and health education to the local Orang Asli community, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility.
A Collaborative Effort
This outreach was made possible through a dynamic collaboration between five key organisations:
- HOPE@PPUM
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya (UM)
- Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya (UM)
- Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia (BCWA)
- PPB Group Berhad
Leading the team of volunteers was Professor Dr Mas Ayu Said, Head of the Public Health Department at PPUM and a faculty member of the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine (SPM), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. The clinical and academic teams from SPM and the Public Health Department (PHD) played a central role in the planning and delivery of services.
Impactful Health Services Delivered
Over two days, the programme reached more than 300 community members through a variety of targeted activities:
- Children: Received basic health assessments and dental check-ups.
- Adults: Underwent screenings for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including blood pressure and glucose checks.
- Women: Participated in breast cancer awareness sessions facilitated by BCWA, empowering them with knowledge on early detection and self-examination.
In addition, 139 food supply packs were distributed to families in need, supporting both their health and well-being beyond clinical care.
Reflections on Public Health Practice
This initiative underscores the importance of culturally sensitive, community-based interventions to reach underserved populations, such as the Orang Asli. It reflects a growing recognition within the public and occupational health fields that equity in healthcare goes beyond hospitals; it begins with trust, respect, and active engagement with communities.
The HOPE@PPUM programme demonstrates how academic institutions can play a pivotal role in health promotion and disease prevention by working hand-in-hand with NGOs, corporate partners, and the communities they serve. These efforts not only address immediate health needs but also contribute to longer-term empowerment and resilience.
Acknowledgement
The Department of Social and Preventive Medicine and HOPE@PPUM extend their heartfelt thanks to all the participating organisations, volunteers, and community members who made this outreach a success.
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