Child health

Seminar putline

GROUP E(Presenters are sonia, nilesh and thanalechumi)

Child health is a diverse topic covering many aspects of health and well-being related to children and their families. It is important, for :

1. Children constitute a large population in the country

2. To decrease the disease burden by avoiding preventable diseases

3. Children are vulnerable to physical and physiological stress, which will lead to poor health if not cared for

Malaysia's infant and child mortality rates at 10 and 12 respectively per 1,000 live births in 2006

There are various aspects of child health :

1. Growth and development

2. Immunization

3. Health promotion

4. Common communicable illnesses and their treatment

1. Growth and development

Growth is assessed by plotting measurements on growth charts while the Denver developmental screening test is commonly used to assess the development of children. In hospitals, children cards are used to keep track of their health

To overcome nutritional diseases and deficiencies, especially prevalent in rural areas, the Government initiated the multi-agency "Applied Food and Nutrition" programme and the "School Supplementary Feeding Programme (SSFP)" since the 1970s. The main objective of SSFP is to improve the health and nutritional status of children, especially those from the rural areas, through a provision of a wholesome and balanced meal.

As a result, acute malnutrition is no longer a problem in our country. On the other hand, Malaysia has begun to see the emergence of overweight and obesity in both children and adults

2. Immunization

Malaysia is now providing immunization against 10 major diseases, namely BCG, Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Pertusis (Whooping Cough), Tetanus, Measles, Rubella, Mumps, Poliomyelitis, and Haemophilus influenza B

Since then, the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases has dropped tremendously.

As at 2003, BCG coverage is 99%; hepatitis third dose is 95% and measles coverage is 92%.

Immunization is important, for it helps prevent diseases that are debilitating and my lead to morbidity

OTHER VACCINES AVAILABLE IN KKM - Meningococcal A , C, Y & W-135, Cholera, Japanese B encephalitis vaccine., Varicella zoster

3. Health promotion

a) How to care for a child

Education regarding infant and child feeding, including breastfeeding.

Convincing the mother about the need for immunization and family planning

Mother craft classes on various aspects of child care

b) Breastfeeding awareness

The National Breastfeeding Policy (2006) states "All mothers are encouraged to breastfeed their babies exclusively with breast milk from birth until 6 months of age and thereafter to continue until the child is 2 years old. Complementary foods should be introduced when the baby is 6 months old."

c) Dangers of passive smoking

d) Dangers of alcohol and drugs

e) Dental health

1. Pre-School Service

A dental programme specially for pre-school children was launched in 1984. This programme focuses mainly on oral health promotion and prevention of oral diseases.

2. School Dental Service

The aim is to render school children orally fit before they leave school.

3. Service for Children With Special Needs

In early 1993, a special programme was launched for these children. These children have been known to have a high prevalence of oral diseases

f) Hazard avoidance

Examples : Road traffic accidents, Burns and scalds, Choking, Falls, Suffocation, Poisoning, Cuts, Drowning

4. Common illnesses among children in malaysia and their treatment

Common cold

Sore throat

Diarrhea

Learning Objectives 1. The organization of the administration in charge of child health 2. How is the extent of coverage of immunization known? 3. What programme is in place for midwive training? 4. Programmes for avoiding and treating common communicable illnesses in children 5. Are child care centers operational?