CHILD health and paediatrics remain among the most important areas in healthcare, with Malaysia fortunate to have a comprehensive public healthcare system supporting mothers, newborns and children, says Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen.
He said government clinics, healthcare services and dedicated nurses continue to play a crucial role in maternal and child healthcare, particularly through initiatives such as the “First 1,000 Days” policy.
“As Malaysians, we are fortunate that our Ministry of Health and healthcare system provide comprehensive support, especially for mothers, newborns and toddlers.
“One important policy highlighted earlier is the First 1,000 Days initiative, which plays a crucial role in ensuring proper care and development during the early stages of a child’s life,” he said during the opening ceremony of the 2nd Malaysian Conference on Paediatrics and Child Health at Ascott Gurney here today.
The conference taking place from May 7 to May 10.
In his speech, Gooi said Penang2030 adopts a family-focused approach, recognising that a healthy state begins with a healthy start in life.
“By investing in maternal nutrition, breastfeeding support and early childhood interventions, we are not only preventing future non-communicable diseases but also building a more resilient and productive generation,” he said.
Gooi added that the most important infrastructure a society could build was not physical development, but the biological foundation of a child’s brain and body.
“The work carried out in clinics and hospitals today helps prevent the chronic diseases of tomorrow.
“When we support mothers and children during these first 1,000 days, we are in fact safeguarding the future of our economy and society,” he said.
He also urged parents to approach health challenges affecting children positively and seek professional medical assistance when necessary.
“It is not the end of the world, and seeking assistance from medical professionals and experts is important in helping children achieve a better quality of life and future,” he said.
Gooi noted that the conference would discuss various health concerns affecting children within communities, while also serving as a platform for experts to exchange ideas and strengthen cooperation.
He said safeguarding children’s futures required collective effort from healthcare professionals, policymakers and society as a whole.
“Our goal is to ensure children receive complete healthcare support from conception through childhood.
“Achieving this requires cooperation from everyone, not only the Ministry of Health, but also the entire community and society as a whole,” he said.
The conference gathered about 350 participants, including healthcare professionals, exhibitors and delegates from Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, China and across Malaysia.
State Health Department director Datuk Dr Fazilah Shaik Allaudin expressed appreciation to the state’s commitment to improving child health and well-being.
“The conference, themed around “The First 1,000 Days,” highlighted the importance of early childhood development and healthcare,” she said, adding that she encourages stronger collaboration between public and private healthcare sectors for a healthier future for children.
Dr Toh Teck Hock, who is the Scientific Committee chairman, said the role of the public and the media is crucial in helping to strengthen awareness and support within society.
Also present during the conference were conference chairman Dr Aina Mariana Abdul Manaf and conference vice-chairman Dr Teoh Yen Lin.
Story by Edmund Lee