Wednesday March 21, 2007
PETALING JAYA: A training manual to tackle sexual and
reproductive health issues for children and teenagers with
disabilities is in its final stages of development by the Health
Ministry.
Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the manual would
focus on the personal care and safety of children with special needs
to prevent them from being abused.
“We have to face reality that sexual harassment will continue to
happen,” he told reporters after the media launch of the 24th
Kiwanis Treasure Hunt here yesterday.
“The manual is to help doctors and people to identify and treat
such cases. There are guidelines and procedures to follow especially
when the person is unable to communicate effectively,” he
added.
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Special guests: Dr Chua and Kiwanis Down
Syndrome Foundation chairman Tee Han Cheong (second from left)
posing with some of the children from the centre during the
launch of the 24th Kiwanis Treasure Hunt in Petaling Jaya
yesterday. Looking on (from left) are Kiwanis International
trustee Hwang Chia Sing, Kiwanis Malaysia lieutenant-governor
Michael Chiew, event organising chairman Toh Wei Ming and
Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation National Centre patron Toh
Puan Ena Ling. |
Earlier in his speech,
Dr Chua said that Down Syndrome was the most prevalent chromosomal
disorder, which occurred about once in every 650 births.
He said this meant that 770 children in Malaysia were born with
the disorder yearly and about 46,200 children and adults have Down
Syndrome, assuming the lifespan of a person with the condition is 60
years.
The Kiwanis treasure hunt is organised by the Kiwanis Club of
Kuala Lumpur and hopes to raise RM125,000 for the Kiwanis Down
Syndrome Foundation National Centre here, Joy Training Workshop in
Malacca, Kiwanis Orphanage in Batu Pahat and other Kiwanis Clubs of
Kuala Lumpur community service projects.
For more information on the treasure hunt, which will be held on
May 26 and May 27 from here to Malacca, call Ricky Koo at 019-338
3332, Chong Foo Seong at 019-333 1580 or Nur/Lily Chong at 03-2282
3898.
