KOTA KINABALU: Children in Sabah are growing up with strong family and community ties, but some, especially the stateless and those in remote areas, continue to be left behind when it comes to healthcare, nutrition, education and digital access, a new study has found.
According to a study by the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) Malaysia, conducted with the Sabah Economic Planning Unit, there are significant gaps in immunisation, adolescent health, nutrition and internet connectivity.
The inaugural Sabah Child Wellbeing Index (SCWI) also paints a mixed picture of childhood in the state, while highlighting that some of the widest disparities are experienced by children who are often excluded from essential services.
The study found that nearly 80% of children have a strong sense of belonging to their school and community.
Nearly one in four children are not fully immunised and fewer than one-third of adolescents aged 15 to 17 meet benchmarks for sexual and reproductive health, including access to information, services and trusted support, the study revealed.
It also showed that fewer than one in three children meet growth and development thresholds, and many consume limited amounts of fruits and vegetables.
On other aspects, less than 35% of children have sufficient access to digital devices and reliable Internet, which limits their ability to learn and participate online, said the study.
In addition, children reported that they lack opportunities for inclusive play, feel unable to freely express their opinions, or live in environments that do not meet adequate housing standards.
These are some of the information gathered from a total of 4,441 children and caregivers across all five administrative divisions of Sabah (West Coast, Interior, Tawau, Sandakan and Kudat), including children from underserved communities like those with disabilities, the undocumented or stateless.
Robert Gass (pic), Unicef representative in Malaysia, said the findings were a reminder that support must be shaped around children’s lived realities.
He said the findings revealed disparities across districts and that deprivations like digital access and nutritious food consumption tend to be higher in hard-to-reach areas such as Kudat and Tawau, where vaccination gaps were more prominent.
Gass said the study also highlighted important strengths in the state, including strong family and community support and access to basic services for many children in Sabah.
