SANDAKAN: The Sabah branch of the Malaysian Leprosy Relief Association (MALRA) and the Sandakan chapter of the Sabah Anti-Tuberculosis Association (SABATA) have concluded a three-day fact-finding mission across five districts in the state, reinforcing their dedication to community service while expanding their operational footprint.
Led by Chairman Ku Fui Men and Deputy Chairman Asmad Kupi, the 10-member delegation embarked on a 1,000-kilometer journey beginning June 18. Their route took them to hospitals in Kunak, Semporna, Tawau, and Kalabakan, with Sandakan serving as their home base.
The mission’s primary objective was to optimize the associations’ service delivery model. To this end, the delegation held discussions with TB and Leprosy Control Officers at each hospital unit. The meetings centred on prevailing disease trends and the rate of newly reported cases, enabling MALRA and SABATA to gather crucial, up-to-date data for future planning.
The expedition also underscored the significant logistical challenges confronting rural healthcare providers. Several of the hospitals visited were notably small and situated in remote locations that the associations had not previously reached.
Concluding on June 20, the delegation deemed the trip highly fruitful. Leveraging the insights gained, MALRA is now planning to extend its advocacy and wellbeing services to these outlying communities—ensuring that patient care and support reach even the most isolated populations in Sabah. – James Leong
The MALRA and SABATA delegation with staff of the Tuberculosis and Leprosy Clinic of Semporna.
