Tuesday March 20, 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 that the manual
would focus on the personal care and safety of the child with
special needs to prevent them from getting abused.
"We have to face reality that sexual harassment will continue to
happen," he told reporters on Tuesday after the media launch of the
24th Kiwanis Treasure Hunt.
"The manual is to help doctors and people to identify and treat.
There are guidelines and procedures to follow especially when the
person is unable to communicate effectively."
The treasure hunt is organised by the Kiwanis Club of Kuala
Lumpur which hopes to raise RM125,000 to help the Kiwanis Down
Syndrome Foundation National Centre here, Joy Training Workshop in
Malacca, Kiwanis Orphanage in Batu Pahat and other Kiwanis Club of
Kuala Lumpur community service projects.
Earlier in his speech, Dr Chua said that Down Syndrome was the
most prevalent chromosomal disorder which occurred about one of
every 650 births.
This meant, he said that 770 children in Malaysia were born with
the disorder yearly and that about 46,200 children and adults have
Down Syndrome assuming that the lifespan of a person with the
condition is 60 years.
"This figure could even be larger, as no study has been done on
the actual situation," he said.
He said that early detection and intervention were important to
getting "better outcome" for babies with Down Syndrome adding that
more than 90% of deliveries were in hospitals and all babies were
examined by doctors before discharge.
Children who have Down Syndrome features will be followed up by
the paediatrician and go through check ups for confirmation.
Dr Chua said that child developmental screening is also done at
all health clinics, community clinics and mobile clinics throughout
Malaysia and any suspected case of delayed development is closely
monitored and started on early intervention programme.
There are also 140 health centres, which provide rehabilitation
services for children with special needs including Down Syndrome.
