Malaria, caused by the Plasmodium protozoa and transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes, is a global health concern with approximately 3 million cases and 1.5 to 2.7 million deaths annually. Recognizing the severity of this issue, Dato’ Onn Jaafar College has taken proactive steps by initiating a Malaria Prevention Program scheduled for November 6, 2023.
The primary objectives of the Malaria Prevention Program are twofold: to obtain approval from the Higher Education Department (HEP) and secure the necessary budget from the college and HEP. The program aims to achieve these goals by identifying students with malaria, providing exposure to the disease, and preventing its spread within the college community.
The programme, organized by the Dato’ Onn Jaafar Colleg’s Health Department, has received assistance from foreign students as well as the Kulai Health Centre. The event is scheduled as an in-person meeting at the XC1 foyer, with physical distance rules in place to guarantee participant safety.
The tentative schedule for the programme begins at 8:00 PM with registration by the Kulai Health Centre, followed by blood testing at 8:30 PM. A door-to-door check for missing kids is scheduled for 9:50 PM, followed by the distribution of gardenia breads as a token of appreciation and the conclusion of the programme at 11:00 PM.
The engagement of the students in this health initiative is a testament to the understanding and awareness of the gravity of malaria as a global health issue. Students have actively participated in the program, cooperating with the Health Department and willingly undergoing blood screenings. This positive response indicates a collective commitment to creating a safe and healthy environment within the college community. The cooperation of international students, local health centers, and the college’s own health facilities further emphasizes a collaborative effort to address health concerns collectively. The active involvement of the student body not only enhances the effectiveness of the program but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility for the well-being of all individuals within the college. This situation underscores the importance of community engagement and cooperation in successfully implementing health initiatives, creating a ripple effect that goes beyond the immediate context of the college.
The highest executive committee overseeing the program includes key roles such as the Patron (Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs), Advisor (Dr. Mohd Amri bin Md Yunus), Program Director (Muhammad Nur Hakimi Bin Che Pa), Deputy Program Director (Khairol Izzul Firdaus Bin Khairol Hisam), Secretary (Nurfazlin Binti Mat Tamidi), Treasurer (Muhammad Adib Wafi Bin Muhammad Jais), and volunteers from RCC members.
Conclusion, the Malaria Prevention Program at Dato’ Onn Jaafar College represents a crucial step towards creating a malaria-free environment within the college. By identifying cases and raising awareness, the program aims to prevent the spread of this deadly disease. The organizers, represented by the College Principal and JKM, anticipate full support from the Higher Education Department to ensure the success of this program. Through these preventive measures, the college is not only taking care of its students but also contributing to the global fight against malaria.