Malaysia has been working towards creating an equal access to quality healthcare by reducing disparities and barriers to fully realise the right to health for all. A team of WHO officials led by Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore visited the State of Perak, Malaysia to better understand and contribute towards improving healthcare in the region. This visit highlighted WHO's ongoing commitment to collaborating with local health authorities to enhance public health outcomes.
Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe engages in a strategic dialogue with the Mayor of Ipoh, focusing on advancing the city of Ipoh's health initiatives and enhancing community well-being as a member of the WHO Global Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC) Credit: ©WHO/ Rohini Rajadorai
The mission began with a productive meeting with Y.Bhg. Dato’ Rumaizi bin Baharin, Mayor of Ipoh with discussions on WHO age-friendly cities and communities, the importance of investing in and safeguarding nature to cultivate a sustainable and healthy future for all. Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe reaffirmed WHO’s commitment towards supporting Ipoh in its mission to create a greener, healthier and more inclusive environment for all age groups, including its ageing population.
Collaborative efforts with Perak health authorities
The WHO team visited the Perak State Health Department and learnt more about the healthcare facilities, key health challenges and opportunities. Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha, Director, Perak State Health Department provided a deeper understanding of their efforts to combat noncommunicable diseases and initiatives to improve healthcare access for remote and underserved communities.
Insightful discussions with the Perak State Health Department team Credit: ©WHO/ Rohini Rajadorai
Exploring local health initiatives
The WHO team also visited two healthcare facilities in Perak – Batu Gajah District Hospital and Kinta District Health Office. They understood more about local health initiatives and strategies to enhance public health in the region. They also learned about Stop Tobacco And Revive (STAR), an innovative program designed to improve smoking cessation services.
Demonstration of an innovative tool at the Batu Gajah district hospital Credit: ©WHO/ Rohini Rajadorai
Reaching the unreached
The WHO team travelled by boat to reach the remote Orang Asli village in Kemar, Hulu Perak Credit: ©WHO/ Rohini Rajadorai
As part of WHO's commitment to supporting and uplifting indigenous communities, the WHO team also visited the Orang Asli village in Kemar, Hulu Perak. During the visit, the team participated in a community feeding programme aimed at improving the nutrition and health of the children in the village.
The community feeding programme is conducted daily by volunteers and aims to improve the nutrition and health of the children Credit: ©WHO/ Rohini Rajadorai
This programme, introduced in 2010, provides high-calorie food with full cream milk and multivitamins to children under six years of age. The programme has led to a reduction in stunting rates and an increase in the percentage of children with normal body weight. The feeding sessions are conducted daily and managed by dedicated local volunteers not only to address immediate nutritional needs but to also foster a sense of community and trust.
The team also visited the Kemar health clinic, a vital healthcare hub for the Orang Asli community. They observed the clinic's efforts in providing essential medical services, including maternal and child health care, immunization and chronic disease management. Despite the challenges posed by its remote location, the clinic's dedicated healthcare professionals and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure the community receives the care they need.
The Orang Asli community have access to a range of healthcare services at the Kemar Health Clinic, including monitoring of the children's weight and height Credit: ©WHO/ Rohini Rajadorai
Innovations at Felda Bersia clinic
The mission concluded with a visit to the Felda Bersia clinic in Hulu Perak. This clinic is nestled in a secluded region and plays a crucial role in providing healthcare services to the local population. The team explored innovative initiatives such as the Sembanglah, Ini Aman dan Rahsia (S.I.N.A.R) program, which provides accessible mental health support through physical suggestion boxes and AI-powered chatbot counselling.
Staff at the Felda Bersia Clinic walked the WHO team through their innovation, including the HER kit Credit: ©WHO/ Rohini Rajadorai
They also learned about the implementation of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) kits to improve maternal care and manage emergencies effectively. Additionally, the cloud-based clinical management system (CCMS) was demonstrated to everyone, highlighting the importance of digital health in increasing access to healthcare for remote populations.
Reflecting on the mission, Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe remarked "As WHO, our goal is to understand the unique health challenges faced by the communities and work together with local authorities to develop sustainable solutions. This mission of Perak has been a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in improving public health."