WORDS LIM TECK CHOON
LEADING PAEDIATRIC EXPERTS UNITE TO TRANSFORM CHILD HEALTH CARE IN ASEAN
On 27 September 2024, 3 key organizations in paediatric sciences joined forces today at the 16th Congress of the ASEAN Society of Pediatric Surgery.
This pivotal 3-day congress incorporated the 3rd Congress of the Malaysian Association of Paediatric Surgery (MAPS) and the 45th Annual Congress of the Malaysian Paediatric Association (MPA).
It was officially inaugurated by Yang Berbahagia Puan Nurul Izzah Anwar, the Chairperson of the Social & Economic Research Initiative (SERI).
HONOURING EXCELLENCE IN CHILD HEALTH ADVOCACY
The congress, themed Different Perspectives, One United Vision, celebrated outstanding contributions to child health:
- MPA Outstanding Child and Adolescent Advocacy Award 2024 presented to Professor Dr Mohamad Haniki Nik Mohamed from the International Islamic University Malaysia, for his tireless efforts in combating smoking and vaping among adolescents.
- MPA Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 awarded to Professor Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail in recognition of his significant advocacy work and advancements in paediatrics, both locally and internationally.
A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO PAEDIATRIC CARE
Associate Professor Dr Mohamad Ikram Ilias, the President of the Malaysian Paediatric Association and Co-Organising Chairperson, emphasized the critical importance of collaboration between paediatricians and paediatric surgeons.
“Our unified goal is to enhance the health and well-being of children across the region,” he stated.
Dr Mohd Yusof Abdullah, the President of MAPS and fellow Co-Organising Chairperson, reinforced this sentiment by highlighting the partnership’s role in advancing paediatric care throughout Malaysia and ASEAN.
MILESTONES IN MALAYSIAN PAEDIATRIC SURGERY
The congress showcased significant progress in Malaysian paediatric surgery:
- 80 dedicated paediatric surgeons nationwide
- 52 specialists in Ministry of Health hospitals
- Specialist paediatric teams offering outreach services in every state
This achievement stems from collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Higher Education, private sector practitioners, and the College of Surgeons in the Academy of Medicine Malaysia.
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
In her official address, Yang Berbahagia Puan Nurul Izzah Anwar praised the collaborative spirit of the paediatric community and their commitment to elevating childcare standards in Malaysia.
She commended the initiative by MPA and MAPS to create a roadmap for advancing expert care in paediatric urology, surgical oncology, advanced minimally invasive surgery, and solid organ transplantation in children.
“Despite the diverse and often times polarized political viewpoints, we all agree that the welfare and wellbeing of our children must be protected, supported and promoted,” she concluded.
The congress attracted over 700 delegates and speakers from around the globe, including participants from the United States, United Kingdom, and ASEAN nations.