KUCHING: Efforts to detect and monitor diseases in rural communities are being intensified through the Disease Surveillance Programme (DSP) run by the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC), says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Sarawak Premier said the programme aimed to identify disease patterns in specific areas through sample collection and analysis, enabling the government to plan targeted preventive measures and health interventions.
“Among the health issues being addressed are worm infections among children, which can lead to malnutrition if left untreated, as well as non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
“The programme will be expanded to other areas, including Kuching and Serian, based on local needs and the disease patterns identified,” he said after launching the DSP and SIDC Mobile Laboratory at Kampung Lubuk Bunting in Gedong yesterday.
He said the initiative also used mobile laboratory facilities to monitor health in affected areas, including Kampung Lubuk Bunting, about 50km from Kuching.
Abang Johari said the approach was also in line with the One Health concept, which emphasises collaboration to safeguard human, animal and environmental health.
The programme aims to monitor public health, raise disease awareness and support targeted medical research in rural and remote areas across the state.
SIDC medical teams and scientists use mobile laboratories to collect biological samples and assess local health conditions.
The surveillance programme is expected to expand to other districts and divisions, with a particular focus on underserved and rural communities.
