| Project | Kampung Sungai Tiang Health Programme |
| Objectives | • To complement current services provided by Pejabat Kesihatan Daerah Hulu Perak for the Orang Asli community in Kampung Sungai Tiang in terms of dental health services • To promote awareness of general health issues and oral hygiene in the local communities |
| Project Partners | Pfizer Malaysia |
| Activities | • Health Awareness Programme • Outreach Dental Clinics |
| Locations | Kampung Sungai Tiang, Gerik, Perak |
| Period | June 2013 – June 2014 |
| Accomplishments | One Health Awareness Programme |
BACKGROUND
Perak has the second highest number of Orang Asli communities in Peninsular Malaysia. The Hulu Perak District has a total of 47 villages comprising one of the most marginalised communities in Malaysia. MERCY Malaysia reinstated its health programme in Kampung Sungai Tiang in 2013 after identifying the persistent need for health services in the area. The programme, which previously only focused on oral health, now includes general health awareness activities. This programme addresses the gaps in the provision of health services in Kampung Sungai Tiang. It benefits the community in having better oral health as well as improving their overall lifestyle through awareness programmes that address their understanding of health and their habits.
MERCY MALAYSIA’S EFFORTS
MERCY Malaysia and Pfizer Malaysia conducted their first Health Awareness Programme from September 12 to 15. The 10-member team consisted of staff and volunteers from MERCY Malaysia as well as volunteers from Pfizer Malaysia. The team conducted a health screening programme with which to provide a baseline that would later assist MERCY Malaysia and Pfizer Malaysia in assessing the impact of the programme. The health screening was coupled with a hypertension consultation that offered a one-to-one consultation between a hypertension-vulnerable adult and a health professional. The one-on-one consultation created room for a question and answer (Q&A) forum and the resultant greater understanding of the disease for the village resident. Additionally, the team arranged for a nutrition talk for the children of Kampung Sungai Tiang to help convey the importance of healthy eating habits. Hygiene awareness was also emphasised through a hygiene talk as well as one regarding head lice treatment. 65 adults and 50 children underwent health screening and 45 children participated in the hygiene programme.
This programme is part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness about health as well as to raise the communal acceptance for better oral health in the Kampung Sungai Tiang community.