KUCHING, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak government is intensifying efforts to detect and monitor diseases among rural communities through the Disease Surveillance Programme (DSP) implemented by the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC).
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the programme aims to identify disease patterns in specific areas through sample collection and analysis, thereby enabling the government to plan more targeted preventive measures and health interventions.
He said the initiative also uses mobile laboratory facilities to enable health monitoring in affected areas, including Kampung Lubuk Bunting in Gedong, about 50 kilometres from the city.
“Among health issues being addressed are worm infections among children, which can lead to malnutrition if left untreated, as well as non-communicable diseases as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
“The programme will be expanded to other areas, including Kuching and Serian, based on the needs and disease patterns identified at each location,” he said after officiating the launch of the DSP and SIDC Mobile Laboratory at Kampung Lubuk Bunting in Gedong here today.
Abang Johari said the approach was also in line with the One Health concept, which emphasises the importance of comprehensive collaboration in safeguarding human, animal and environmental health.
“In addition to detecting diseases, SIDC’s research has the potential to explore local biodiversity resources for drug development, thereby strengthening Sarawak’s healthcare research capabilities,” he added.
-- BERNAMA