KUCHING, 7 December 2025 — The UNIMAS Medical Society (UNIMED), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), successfully held a community engagement event called “Kesedaran Filariasis: Lindungi Keluarga, Lindungi Kampung” (Filariasis Awareness: Protect Your Family, Protect Your Village) at Kampung Bako Lot, Kuching. This event was organized in partnership with the Divisional Health Office (DHO) Kuching and the Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine (MSPTM). Led by UNIMED President Mr. Rohiit a/l Baskaran and overseen by UNIMED Advisor, Associate Professor Dr. Romano Ngui, the program aimed to increase awareness of filariasis, a neglected tropical disease also known as elephantiasis, which still impacts several communities in Sarawak.
The half-day program focused on educating the community about the transmission, symptoms, and preventive strategies related to filariasis. Additionally, it aimed to dispel misconceptions that may contribute to stigma against individuals affected by the disease. The event was marked by active engagement from communities across all age groups, demonstrating the program’s significance and pertinence to the local community.
A series of interactive and educational activities was organized to involve participants. These activities included the “Match to Protect” card-matching game, where participants paired images of mosquitoes, stagnant water, mosquito nets, and treatment pills with their respective preventive messages. Children participated in a coloring activity featuring illustrations of mosquitoes and techniques for preventing filariasis, promoting creativity and awareness. Teenagers and adults took part in a Kahoot!-based Quiz Challenge to test their knowledge on filariasis, and a “Facts vs Myths” ping-pong toss game was used to dispel common misconceptions about the disease.
A Health Education Officer from the DHO Kuching gave an informative talk on filariasis, engaging many community residents. The team also set up a health screening booth as part of the National Health Screening Initiative (NHSI), offering basic health assessments during the event. Participants who completed all interactive stations entered a lucky draw, with a prize awarded to the child who produced the best coloring picture.
Rohiit a/l Baskaran, President of UNIMED, emphasized the importance of the programme, stating, “This event plays a vital role in raising awareness about filariasis within the community. Educating residents, particularly children and families, promotes preventive actions that can lower the risk of disease in high-risk areas like Kampung Bako.”
Associate Professor Dr. Romano Ngui, Advisor for UNIMED, emphasized, “Engaging directly with the community enables us to disseminate accurate information and dispel misconceptions about filariasis. These efforts are vital for advancing public health and building lasting partnerships with local communities.”
The program was well received by the Kampung Bako communities, with participants actively engaging in all activities and health education initiatives. Aligned with UNIMAS’s tagline, ‘Community Driven University for a Sustainable World,’ this program lays the groundwork for long-term collaboration among UNIMED, DHO Kuching, and the Kampung Bako community. It was additionally supported by the MSPTM Community Fund, demonstrating their dedication to translating research into community benefits.