THE MALAYSIAN PAEDIATRIC ASSOCIATION MAY 2019 FOR MEMBERS ONLY

Editorial Board Discussion on Vaccines Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail Dr Selva Kumar Sivapunniam MPA 2017 – 2019 at the Parliament EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 18 March 2019, President

AP Dr Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin Immediate Past President Dr Thiyagar Nadarajaw Group picture Vice-President of meeting Dr Hung Liang Choo attendees with Secretary Deputy Health AP Dr Tang Swee Fong Minister and Federal Asst Secretary Territories Dr Selva Kumar Sivapunniam Mufti seated Treasurer flanking Dato’ Dr Musa Mohd Nordin chairperson Committee Members Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail Datuk Dr Soo Thian Lian Discussed Jurisprudential (fiqh) Dr Noor Khatijah Nurani and academic discourse of the Dr Khoo Teik Beng concept of “halal” vaccines, Dr Mohamad Ikram Ilias Hukum (religious edicts) on the Dr Ong Eng-Joe uptake of vaccines based on the higher objectives (maqasid) of the Honorary Auditors Shari’ah and towards the dasar Prof Wan Ariffin Abdullah (policy) of considering mandatory Prof Dr Thong Meow Keong immunisations

Affiliated to: • Malaysian Council For Child Welfare A round table discussion on the issue of I represented both the Malaysian • ASEAN Pediatric Federation halal vaccines was held at the premises Paediatric Association (MPA) and • Asia Pacific Pediatric Association of our August Malaysian Parliament Islamic Medical Association – APPA (Previously Association of on 18 March. It was efficiently chaired (IMAM) Pediatric Societies of the South East by the Deputy Minister (Religion) in the Asian Region – APSSEAR) PM’s Department, YB Puan Hajjah YB Chairlady set the 3 parameters of our • International Pediatric Association . expected outcomes: (IPA) 1. Jurisprudential (fiqh) and academic Major stakeholders were present which The Berita MPA is published for members to discourse of the concept of “halal” keep them informed of the activities of the included SS Dato’ Seri Dr Hj Zulkifli vaccines. Association and to keep up with developments Mufti of Wilayah Persekutuan, Deputy in paediatrics and child health. 2. Hukum (religious edicts) on the uptake Ministers YB (KPWKM) and of vaccines based on the higher YB Dr (MOH), Deputy objectives (maqasid) of the Shari’ah. The views and opinions in all the articles DG JAKIM, National Pharmaceutical are entirely those of the authors unless Regulatory Agency (NPRA), Malaysian 3. Towards the dasar (policy) of otherwise specified. Pharmaceutical Society, academics considering mandatory immunisations. We invite articles and feedback from and captains of pharmaceutical readers – Editor industries. SS Dato’ Seri Mufti cited evidence from the Quran, authentic traditions and

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Unit 16-07, 16th Floor, Menara Arina Uniti, 97, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-2202 7099 Fax: 03-2602 0997 Email: [email protected] Website: https://mpaeds.my

BERITA MPA – MAY 2019 • 1 FromReport The President Visit our overhauled website: www.mpaeds.my

Assalamualaikum and Salam that Dato Musa has done a great well as the forum on ‘Behavioural Sejahtera to esteemed members job. I was later informed by many Interventions for Optimal of MPA! colleagues that this program Growth: Practical Psychology for had influenced many vaccine- Paediatricians’. The discussions Friends and Colleagues, hesitant parents to vaccinate then continued at 3 breakout their children. Dato Musa also sessions led by the expert panel 10 April 2019 marks the ONE year represented MPA in a meeting on on how to effectively assess and anniversary of the fresh, new look Halal Vaccine held on 20 March manage growth and feeding MPA website, mpaeds.my. Over 2019 which you would be able to problems. the last one year, I am delighted get a full report on page 1. to see that the new MPA website received thousands of visitors per IPA Congress @ month, many folds more than the Vaccination heroes Panama usual number seen previously. MPA together with Ministry The International Paediatric The constant effort put up by the of Health and World Health Association (IPA) recently held website committee to keep the Organization, hosted the National their 29th Congress at Panama website updated at all times has Immunization Day Campaign City from 17-21 March 2019. During launched by the paid off. I also believe that the Health Minister this congress Datuk Dr Zulkifli

restructuring of the website and Datuk Seri Ismail was elected into the IPA monthly electronic data mailers, on 28 April 2019 at Taman Tasik Standing Committee, a very apart from the effort to keep the Cempaka, Bandar Baru Bangi. prestigious and important position. content updated at all times, in a This campaign was in conjunction Congratulations Datuk Zul! You way has kept the eagerness of our with the World Immunization have definitely made us and members to visit it every month. Week celebrated throughout the Malaysia proud! world from 24 to 30 April 2019. I More on vaccination am delighted to announce here that Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail and Grants for grabs In the last few months, despite our Dato Dr Musa Mohd Nordin were Dear esteemed members, as you busy schedule, MPA continued to selected as one of the National know allocation for grants has show our strong commitment and Immunization Hero during the been increased to a maximum of support in childhood immunisation, launching ceremony. What a RM10,000 for FIVE grants per year. particularly on pneumococcal proud moment for MPA! More As of now, a few grants are still vaccination. Myself and a number photos and details about this on available for grab. I would like to of council members, in particular pages 8 & 9. encourage all members to submit Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail and Dato your applications and grab this have Dr Musa Mohd Nordin Growth summit grant opportunities offered under been attending meetings held the MPA banner. Information by the government agencies, Another huge milestone achieved about grant application is in particular Ministry of Health by MPA with regards to children’s available through our MPA and Jabatan Perdana Menteri growth was the gathering of website. (Agama) as well as the World more than 170 paediatricians Health Organization (WHO), nationwide on 6 & 7 April 2019 Lastly, I would also like to take providing ideas and comments, in for the Growth, this opportunity to invite all of as we believe that everyone Feeding and Nutrition Summit. you to the 41st MPA Annual should work together to make These paediatricians sacrificed Congress which would be held vaccination available and their weekend to be trained in conjunction with the 15th accessible to every child. and equipped to help children Asian Oceanian Congress of achieve their full growth potential. Child Neurology (AOCCN) on I believe all of us still remember Participants were particularly 19th to 22nd September 2019 the epic battle on immunisation interested in the panel discussion at Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala between Dato Musa and Dr Nurul which touched upon the Lumpur. The theme “Synergy to Huda in Analisis by TV al-Hijrah on ‘Early Nutritional Interventions: Challenge Boundaries in Child 15 February 2019. Needless to say Challenges and Opportunities’ as

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fatwas of contemporary scholars to proclaim that the uptake of vaccines is wajib (mandatory). This includes immunisation in both children and adults. And parents must ensure their children are immunised according to the National Immunisation Program (NIP)

I emphasised three points: Neurology” augurs well with MPA’s 1. The importance of being careful with the use of the vision of providing a highly stimulating “halal vaccines” terminology. It gives a wrong impression and cutting edge scientific programme that there are vaccines which are haram and the anti- to our members. Dr Khoo Teik Beng as vaxxers abuse this ambiguity to drive home their point the Congress President and his team that vaccines are not Islamic. This is based on the pivotal fiqh maxim - Permissibility (Halal) is the default ruling has assured us that the latest updates for everything in social transactions (muamalat) in the in Child Neurology is in place. To all absence of a clear prohibition (al-asl fi al-ashyaa’ al- members, do mark the date and try Ibahah) your very best to attend this year’s congress. 2. The fatwa from SS Dato’ Seri Mufti (and SS Dato’ Mufti ) is a major shift and is a much stronger opinion from In the next few days, we will be the current position of the National Fatwa Council which celebrating Ramadhan. On behalf declares vaccines as mubah, harus and permissible. of MPA council, I would like to wish all 3. The outcomes of this RTD would jive well and should be of you a blessed Ramadhan. Please shared with the MOH Task Force to study the feasibility of continue to pray for all of us, to be mandatory immunisations. given the strength and the health to continue working for kids in Malaysia. The task force met twice on 9 and 13 March 2019 to collect information from various specialties including paediatrics, Last but not least, I would also like to infectious diseases, epidemiologist etc. to address 8 specific wish Salam Eidul Fitri, Maaf Zahir Batin. questions (e.g. legal implications, enforcement issues, penalties etc.) related to mandatory immunisations. They were very appreciative of the support from JAKIM and hope to organise another meeting on 27 March 2019 and invite other stakeholders for their opinions and feedbacks. Addressing National Policy To address on national policy, SS Dato’ Seri Mufti quoted Imam Shafie (RA) who said that “sebarang tindakan pemerintah mesti dilingkari dengan maslahah ammah” (every action of the government must ensure that the welfare and wellbeing of the community is protected and preserved). And since mandatory immunisations protect the health and well-being of the child who is most vulnerable especially below 7 years old, it should be seriously considered. He will bring this agenda to the National Fatwa Council to obtain its consent.

YB Puan Hannah Yeoh also quoted the Child Act which required parents to provide highest standard of health and medical care and protection from various kinds of abuse and neglect. It is a similar experience with some Christian families who are against immunisations and have withdrawn from public schools and home school their children. It is important these children are followed up to ensure they are not harmed. And pre-marriage courses must emphasise this aspect of parental responsibility to do the right thing for their children. Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin President 2017-2019 There were good exchanges of ideas and opinions from [email protected] other members in the RTD. The chairlady also welcomed the support from other religious heads to ensure the health of our youngest through our National Immunisation Program. 2

Musa Mohd Nordin [email protected]

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Forum session (L-R) Dr Nik Nasirudin, Dr Mohd Ikram, One of the lucky draw winners Pn Haslina, Pn Zailawati Forum Kesedaran Penyakit Ginjal Kronik di Kalangan Kanak-kanak 22 February 2019, Kota Bharu

The forum was successfully Perempuan Zainab II (HRPZ) conducted and with 150 and specific pharmacological participants from districts of issue by HRPZ pharmacist (Kota Bharu, Kuala Pn Haslina. The public forum Krai, Pasir Puteh, Jeli), and session discussing on the current (Besut and Kuala issues in managing children with Berang). Half of them were CKD medically, social welfare parents of patients currently services, and also prescribing Outstanding Committee Members undergoing follow-up at medication in patients with hospital. Poster presentations CKD. The panelists were Dr on related paediatric CKD were Mohamad Ikram, Pn Haslina, available at the event area for Pn Zailawati (social welfare) public viewing. and moderated by Dr Nik Nasirudin Nik Leh The event was officiated by (paediatrician). The event State Deputy Health Director concluded at 1.00pm after (Medical) Dr Maizun bt closing remarks by the Mohd Zain. Short lecture on president. There were ten current statistic of paediatric lucky draw prizes presented to CKD undergoing treatment, the audience as well during Public lecture Q&A Session causes, and how to recognise the event. early symptoms of CKD were highlighted to the On behalf of the Nephrology

audience by Dr Mohamad Society of Kelantan State, Ikram (Consultant Paediatric we would like to express our Nephrologist and President of gratitute to Malaysian Pediatric Nephrology Society of Kelantan Association (MPA) for providing state). This was followed by us the funds to organise the a brief lecture on dietary forum. 2 recommendations in children with CKD by Pn Nur Ikmaliah, Mohamad Ikram Ilias a dietitian from Hospital Raja [email protected]

Poster Exhibition

Circulating vaccine derived poliovirus cases 2019*

Democratic Republic Niger 0 (0) Global Polio of the Congo: 0 (3) Nigeria: 4 (0) Eradication Indonesia 0 (0) Papua New Guinea: 0 (0) Initiative Mozambique 0 (0) Somalia: 0 (0) *Data as of 29 March 2019, compared to the same point in 2018. Total for 2018: Global 103 - DRC 20, Indonesia 1, Mozambique 1, Niger 9, Nigeria 34, PNG 26, Somalia 12

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L-R: Dato Musa, Prof Ron Dagan, Datuk Zulkifli

Malaysian delegates

PDC 2019 30-31 March 2019, Philippines Enjoying local halal lunch after a long search! (author is 3rd from left)

Asia Pneumococcal & (PCV13) in their National Shopping Mall offers 300+ stores Meningococcal Disease Immunisation Program. and services mix of high-end retail Conference 2019 (PDC 2019) was shops, restaurants, amenities, leisure recently held in 5-star New World The third session was on and entertainment. We even got Makati Hotel, Makati City, Manila. meningococcal disease impact lost trying to get to a restaurant This annual event was organised especially on high risk groups. Our inside Greenbelt! Thanks to the by Pfizer as a platform for scientific sole representative in the faculty, three excellent Pfizer representative exchange, updates and sharing Dr Helmy Haja Mydin talked about from Malaysia, Mr Jerry Ng, Ms of experience for experts in the how to improve vaccination Vivian Kelly Chew and Mr Kua Asia region on pneumococcal strategies for meningococcal Chong Ming, we manage to find disease and vaccine issues. What vaccination in mass gatherings our way around and able to get our is unique in this conference is during this session. hands on halal food which is quite that for the first time, they have difficult to find in Manila. A few of The last session which was held on included topics on meningococcal us managed to buy the famous the second day of the conference diseases and vaccine. A 30-strong D7 Cebu dried mangoes and focused on pneumococcal disease Malaysian delegation consisting Goldilocks pastries for loved ones and vaccine recommendations in of paediatricians and physicians back home. However owing to time adults. Besides providing updates with special interest in vaccinology constraint and with the traffic they on global epidemiology and attended this special event, which have in Manila, we were not able to burden of pneumococcal disease also hosted delegates all over Asia. go for tours around Makati. in adults, there were updates on international recommendation for To conclude, there is no question The sessions adult pneumococcal vaccines, on the importance and the need of as well as experience on adult The theme of the conference was pneumococcal vaccine as well as vaccination programs in Singapore, aptly called ‘Current Options, meningococcal vaccine not just for Hong Kong and Taiwan. Rational Decisions’ as a plethora children but also for adults. It is time for these vaccines to be introduced of new information and latest The sessions included live voting into our NIP at the very least. recommendations were presented questions and there were a lot of by the esteemed international and interactions between the audience I look forward for the next PDC and regional faculty. and speakers as ample time was I hope things will get much better in provided for panel discussions at There were four sessions divided in Malaysia so we can share our own the end of each session. this one and half day conference. experience on pneumococcal and The first two sessions were on meningococcal vaccines with our global and regional perspectives Makati City Asian colleagues next time! 2 on pneumococcal diseases in Despite the packed schedule of the paediatrics. We were updated on conference, we still had enough Taiwan, Japan, India and also our time to do some shopping, as one Faisal Mohd Fadzli host country Philippines experiences of top shopping malls in Manila [email protected] after introducing pneumococcal was only next door! Greenbelt conjugate vaccine 13 serotypes

BERITA MPA – MAY 2019 • 5 Report

UMMC Diabetes Camp 27-29 March 2019, Kuala

At Bukit Melawati

Rocking it at Bukit Melawati

Group photo at The Kabin

The paediatric endocrinology and c Hospital Ipoh: 2 patients logo and mascot. Next was a diabetes unit UMMC once again c University Malaya Specialist fun education session led by the has proudly organised its legendary Centre/ Overseas patient: dietitians. Patients’ and facilitators’ annual event, Diabetes Camp 3 patients knowledge were tested by online on 27-29 March 2019. This much quiz, with most of the questions awaited event took place at The We were privileged to have on assessment of carbohydrate Kabin, Jeram, Kuala Selangor. transportation arranged by UITM counting. The score marks for The theme ‘Type One-derful Medical Faculty. UITM has been everyone were portrayed on the Superheroes’ was chosen for this our active diabetes camp ‘partner’ screen live! The late afternoon year’s camp theme. The aim is to since 2016. By noon, patients and session was led by the sports aspire patients to regard themselves staff gathered at the venue. Some medicine team. Facilitators and as wonderful superheroes, who of the patients made their own patients were all soaked in the are fearless and full of resilience to way to the place, while those from pool either playing ‘ping pong achieve their dreams, despite the Hospital Taiping and HTAR came volley ball’ or simply wetting ordeals they endure daily. We had by the hospital’s van. First hands- themselves for fun! Precautionary participation of 33 patients and 26 on practical session of patients’ measures were informed to healthcare professionals this year: glucose checking, carbohydrate all facilitators and patients as counting and insulin injection for strenuous and adrenaline pumping c University Malaya Medical those newly joined facilitators physical activities may precipitate Centre: 15 patients, 11 doctors, began at lunch at Savannah hypoglycaemic attacks. Hence, 5 nurses Lounge, the eatery venue at having a glucometer and hypokit c Hospital Tengku Ampuan The Kabin. ready at the site is mandatory. Night Rahimah, Klang: 3 patients, activity was a lighter one. There 2 doctors Introduction & quiz was a Jumanji movie screening, c Hospital Sungai Buloh/ UITM: followed by cake cutting for supper. Subsequent sessions were ice 4 patients, 3 doctors, 1 nurse Facilitators were reminded to breaking sessions whereby patients monitor glucose past midnight for c Hospital Taiping: 6 patients, were divided into groups and each patient to ensure the level 2 doctors, 2 nurses required to form group names, was stable.

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Group performance

The one-derful superheroes!

Fun in the pool with ping pong volleyball! Lunch and snack-making activity

The next morning kicked-off at Blood Glucose and Hypoglycaemia camp ended endocrinology with 6.30am, with a rise-&-shine ‘get your session, followed by lunch and certificate and prize giving session body moving’ session led by our snack-making activity. Patients and appreciation speech by fabulous Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Nahar in each group were required to Dr Azriyanti Anuar Zaini, our Head Azmi. Glucose level was checked make and decorate a healthy of Unit of Paediatric Endocrinology. prior to the exercise and those snack made of multigrain wrap with Although it was a short period of 3 borderline low levels were given one sardine or tuna stuffing with salads days 2 nights, all of us felt so close exchange of carbohydrate before and dressings. The sports medicine to each other like a family. We had embarking the nerve-wracking hour team took charge again late lunch at noon and departed to our of the aerobic exercise. We had afternoon for treasure hunt activity. destinations separately. breakfast, then made our way for At night, we had fun watching a visit to Bukti Melawati, situated performances from each group. The We would like to express our utmost about 20 minutes’ drive. UITM had costume theme was superhero, and gratitude to all our event sponsors again kindly provided a coach for two of our patients were dressed in and partners for their support. Most these patients. Majlis Daerah Kuala complete suit of Superwoman and of all, our heartfelt gratitude goes Selangor had also kindly arranged Superman costume. to MPA for the financial grant given a tram to take us up the Bukit to organise the camp. We hope Melawati. Each group was assigned On our final day, we started early MPA will continue to support UMMC to create the most creative group at 6.45am with another rise and Diabetes Camp in the future. 2 picture parallel with the superhero shine aerobics movement. The theme. We spent about two hours activities for the day were more visiting Bukit Melawati, learning easy-going. Patients created a Nurshadia Samingan about the history of Selangor, as poster demonstrating self-care [email protected] well as enjoying the view from the diabetes. Many posters drawn were highest spot in Kuala Selangor. exceptionally amazing and full of message, making it hard for the Healthy snack session judges to decide on the best poster. The final session was an education Back at The Kabin, we had an session about sick day and DKA. The education session of Self-Monitoring

BERITA MPA – MAY 2019 • 7 Report

2nd Growth, Feeding & Nutrition Summit Helping Malaysian Children Grow Better 6-7 April 2019, Putrajaya

The IMFeD For Growth programme organised its 2nd Growth, Feeding & Nutrition Summit on 6-7 April, 2019 in Putrajaya. The event was attended by over 170 paediatricians from all across the country. The event featured the launch of a quick reference guide titled “Measure, Identify & Manage Growth In Children”. Designed for busy paediatricians, the guide presented and expanded upon an algorithm for the prevention and management of growth faltering.

Other highlights of the Summit included a keynote lecture by Dr Pedro Alarcon, an internationally acclaimed expert who has spent over 20 years working in the field of paediatric gastroenterology and nutrition. Dr Alarcon spoke on the topic, “Importance of Early Nutritional Intervention As Part of Growth Launch of the ‘Measure, Identify & Manage’ Quick Reference Guide for Paediatricians. (L-R) Prof Lee, Prof Promotion”, which spotlighted the prevalence of undernutrition Yazid, Dr Nina Mazera Mohd Said (Medical Director, globally and how early intervention can reverse growth faltering. Abbott Malaysia) A very engaging forum followed, moderated by Dr Cheang Hon Kit with Prof Dr Lee Way Seah, Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad

Yazid Jalaludin and Dr Alarcon as panelists. The experts reiterated the need to consistently measure weight and height to identify and address growth risk factors in children.

The summit continued the next day, chaired by Dr Thiyagar Nadarajaw. Assoc Prof Dr Firdaus Mukhtar presented an entertaining yet informative lecture on “Behavioural Contributions Affecting Early Childhood Feeding Experience”. She encouraged the audience of paediatricians to adopt the responsive physician style to effectively and compassionately communicate with parents.

An engaging forum ensued with Assoc Prof Dr Firdaus, Speakers presenting the ‘Measure, Identify & Manage’ Dr Yong Junina Fadzil and dietitian Ms Siti Hawa Mohammad Quick Reference Guide for Paediatricians Taib discussing opportunities and challenges to incorporate psychology services into general paediatric practice.

Participants then dispersed into their respective groups for case breakout discussions. Dr Kok Juan Loong, Dr Anna Padma Soosai, Assoc Prof Dr Firdaus and dietitian Ms Khoo An Jo tackled “Parental Challenges”; Dr Thiyagar, Dr Azriyanti Anuar Zaini and dietitian Ms Siti Hawa focused on the impact of “Feeding Issues”; while Dr Juriza Ismail, Dr Alvin Khoh and dietitian Ms Rozanna Rosly covered the area of “Medical Conditions”.

The fresh and fruitful summit provided a fitting kick off to the IMFeD For Growth Forum on “Early Nutritional nationwide screening & counselling Intervention: Challenges and campaign running from April to Opportunities” September 2019. 2

Lee Way Seah Chairman IMFeD For Growth programme [email protected] An attentive audience

8 • BERITA MPA – MAY 2019 BERITA MPA – MAY 2019 • 9 Report 15th National Symposium on Adolescent Health 4-6 April 2019, Alor Setar

The 15th National Symposium on toxic stress, illicit drug usage and illness, the challenges they faced Adolescent Health (NSOAH) was reproductive health. in our healthcare system and their held from 4-6 April at Hospital expectations. It made many of Sultanah Bahiyah, Alor Setar, . The symposium was officiated us reflect on our performance as by Dato’ Dr Norhizan Ismail, health care providers and what we This annual symposium was co- the State Director of Health. This could do to improve our service to organised by the Malaysian year’s keynote address speaker adolescent patients. Association for Adolescent Health was Ms Marcela Suazo, United (MAAH) and Malaysian Medical Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Participants, enriched with the Association (MMA) in collaboration Representative to Malaysia who knowledge gained from the with Malaysian Paediatric spoke on empowering adolescents symposium will certainly find it Association (MPA). in the 21st century. useful for them to manage their adolescent patients holistically. 2 The theme this year was One of the highlights of the “Empowering Adolescents”. The symposium was the teen forum event attracted more than 200 moderated by Dr Karina Razali, N. Thiyagar participants from as far as East WHO Consultant who is also Chair, MPA Adolescent Health Malaysia and Indonesia. The topics a MAAH committee member. Subcommittee were a mix of hardcore adolescent Three teenagers shared their [email protected] medicine and relevant adolescent experience living with chronic health issues ranging from diabetes, mental health, visual problems,

Dr Karina moderating teen forum Group photo with participants

Silat performance by teens

State director’s wefie with participants

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World Immunisation Week 2019

28 April 2019, Bangi

Dato’ Musa receiving cert from Minister of Health

Datuk Zul receiving cert from Minister of Health

We support immunisation!

Public forum with Homeopathy Association President and a parent (R), moderated by Imam Muda Asyraf (L)

Minggu Imunisasi Kebangsaan this The event was officiated by our from 11-20 February 2019 as part of year was held on 28 April 2019 at Minister of Health, YB Datuk Seri Dr a MOH-WHO Joint Assessment and Taman Tasik Cempaka, Bandar Baru Haji Dzulkefly bin Ahmad. In his Planning on Immunisation and VPD Bangi. With the theme, “Protected speech, he encouraged parents to Control and Elimination in Malaysia. Together: Vaccines Work!”, the vaccinate their children according half-day event celebrated the to the national immunisation This year’s celebration received contributions made by ‘Vaccine schedule. He also reminded the huge support from the community Heroes’ from among healthcare community to obtain information on who came to participate in professionals, parents, community immunisation from credible sources various activities, including the members and innovators who (e.g. www.immunise4life.my) and to Immunisation Walk, an expert forum, had been actively advocating get immunised with confidence. booth exhibitions, health screening, immunisation. Datuk Dr Zulkifli a colouring competition and a Ismail and Dato’ Dr Musa Minggu Imunisasi Kebangsaan lucky draw. 2 Mohd Nordin were recognised was jointly organised by Ministry as the ‘Vaccine Heroes’ from of Health, MPA and World Health Zulkifli Ismail [email protected] Immunise4Life program and Organization (WHO). All parties Malaysian Paediatric Association. were involved in a series of meetings

BERITA MPA – MAY 2019 • 11

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Role playing as nurses and parents

Kota Bharu group photo

Dr Mohd Ikram Illias in Kota Bharu Assoc Prof Dr Kew Seih Teck in Kota Kinabalu

Dr Ismail Haron in Bahru

Dr Ong Eng-Joe in Kuching Dr Norazlin Kamal Dr Sathyabama Ramachandram getting participant Nor in KL feedback during the growth chart activity in Nationwide Nurse Training Workshops March-April 2019

Running for the 7th year, Mi-CARE participants, consisting of Jururawat who are knowledgeable, highly- (Maternal & Infant Care) Nurse Masyarakat from Klinik Kesihatan, skilled, and well-equipped are Training Workshop had successfully Klinik Desa and Klinik Kesihatan Ibu able to communicate with parents conducted six workshops around & Anak, and nurses from paediatrics well. Working towards a healthier Malaysia, beginning end of March and O&G wards from government Malaysian society and also the until end April recently. hospitals during the one-day Sustainable Development Goal workshop: #3 Good Health & Well-Being, it Jointly-spearheaded by the involves the cooperation of nurses Obstetrical & Gynaecological • Kuala Lumpur: 23 March and doctors to be knowledgeable Society Malaysia (OGSM), • Penang: 6 April and up-to-date, in order to Malaysian Paediatric Association • Kota Kinabalu: 13 April continuously create awareness and (MPA) and Nutrition Society • Kota Bharu: 19 April to empower mothers to care better Malaysia (NSM), the core focus of • Johor Bahru: 26 April for themselves and their children. this year’s workshop is on healthy • Kuching: 27 April growth of children – starting from We thank our fellow paediatricians, pregnancy, nutrition for mother Mi-CARE Training Programme is who have contributed their time and child, and monitoring child’s accredited by the Nursing Division and expertise for the workshops this growth. This is in line in addressing of the MOH and participants are year. We look forward to working the rise of child malnutrition statistics entitled to receive 6 CPD points for with like-minded colleagues to (stunting, underweight, obesity) and the full day session. participate and interact with nurses also maternal anaemia cases in the in years to come. 2 current society. Mi-CARE reflects the critical role of nurses in our healthcare system. Zulkifli Ismail The workshop reached out to 800 As front liners in healthcare, nurses [email protected]

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World Pneumonia Day 2018 14 November 2018, Kuala Lumpur

Media dialogue session with (L-R) Dr Aminah, Dr Hishamshah and Datuk Dr Zulkifli

A media dialogue themed vulnerability of children under 2 Datuk Dr Zulkifli highlighted that “Combatting Childhood Pneumonia years old to pneumonia. He said as of October 2018, 142 (out of a in Malaysia: What’s Next” was that children from low-income total of 195) countries are already organised by the Immunise4Life households may be more adversely offering routine pneumococcal (IFL) programme - a tripartite affected due to environmental vaccination. Over 115 of those collaboration involving the Ministry factors, lower awareness of the countries have opted to provide of Health Malaysia, professional disease, and limited resources for PCV13. 2 bodies (principally, Malaysian treatment. Paediatric Association and P.S: The new government has Malaysian Society of Infectious Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail, IFL promised pneumococcal Diseases & Chemotherapy), and Technical Committee Chairman, vaccination in the national caring corporations. emphasised the importance immunisation programme (NIP). of immunising children against Hopefully we will see this in the next The event aimed at increasing all major causes of childhood two years. Increased surveillance public awareness of the danger of pneumonia, including Haemophilus for pneumococcus will need to pneumonia among children and influenzae type b, pneumococcus, be done to document a tangible the importance of taking preventive pertussis, measles, influenza and effect of the vaccine. measures through breastfeeding, chickenpox. good hygiene and vaccination. The event also served as a platform Dr Aminah Bee Mohd Kassim, to discuss the Minister of Health’s Public Health Physician & Chief Zulkifli Ismail [email protected] pledge to provide universal Senior Assistant Director of the pneumococcal vaccination to Family Health Division, Ministry of Malaysian children. Health Malaysia, said work is under way to plan and prepare for the Dr Hishamshah Mohd Ibrahim, introduction of pneumococcal Head of Paediatrics at Hospital vaccination into the National Kuala Lumpur, highlighted the Immunisation Programme.

BERITA MPA – MAY 2019 • 13 Announcements

Local Venues 15th Asian Oceanian Congress of Child Neurology (AOCCN) in conjunction with Staunch Conference on Pediatrics & the 41st Malaysian Paediatric Association Emergency Medicine Annual Congress 2019 Assuring to Discover The Differences and Develop ‘Synergy to Challenge Boundaries in Possibilities in Success for Pediatrics & Child Neurology’ Emergency Medicine Date : 20-21 June 2019 Date : 19-22 September 2019 Venue : Amsterdam, Netherlands Venue : Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur E-mail : [email protected] Tel : 603- 7931 2131 Fax : 603- 7932 2132 Website : www.aoccn2019.com Email : [email protected] European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association (ECHSA) & World Society for International Paediatric Events Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery (WSPCHS) nd 2 International Congress of Hypertension Date : 20-22 June 2019 in Children & Adolescents (ICHCA) Venue : National Palace of Culture, Sofia, Date : 24-26 May 2019 Bulgaria Venue : Warsaw, Poland E-mail : [email protected] Email : [email protected] Website : http://htpaediatrics.com/ 9th International Conference on 52nd Annual Meeting of the European Children’s Bone Health (ICCBH) Society for Pediatric, Gastroenterology, Date : 22-25 June 2019 Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) 2019 Venue : Salzburg Conference Centre, Salzburg, Date : 5-8 June 2019 Austria Venue : Scottish Event Campus, Glasgow, UK Email : [email protected] Email : [email protected] Website : http://www.iccbh.org/ Website : https://www.espghancongress.org

EPA/UNEPSA - 9th Europaediatrics Congress 18th International Congress on Pediatric Date : 13-15 June 2019 Pulmonology / Joint Meeting: Venue : Convention Centre Dublin, Ireland 5th Asian Paediatric Pulmonology Society Email : europaediatrics2019@bioscientifica. Annual Scientific Congress com Date : 27-30 June 2019 Website : www.europaediatrics2019.org Venue : Chiba, Tokyo Tel : + 33 (0) 497 038 597 European Society of Paediatrics and E-mail : [email protected] Neonatal Intensive Care (ESPNIC) Website : www.cipp-meeting.org/en Dates : 18-21 June 2019 Venue : Salzburg, Austria Email : [email protected] th Website : https://espnic2019.kenes.com/ 5 International Neonatology Association Conference (INAC 2019) Date : 12-14 July 2019 International Congress on Pediatrics Venue : Hotel Real Inn, Tijuana, Mexico & Neonatology Email : secretariat@ worldneonatology.com Date : 19-20 June 2019 Website : http://2019.worldneonatology.com/ Venue : Venice, Italy Email : [email protected] Website : http://pediatrics.jacobsconferences. com New Life Members NEW ORDINARY MEMBERS Lee Hak Teong (1156) Muhamad Azamin Anuar

st Nurshadiah Samingan Thevabarathy Davan 31 Inaugural of International Congress on (1157) Gan Kai Lin Pediatrics and Neonatology Juliana Hashim (1158) Sherina Shereen Rizlan Ross Infinite the pediatric and neonatal Lee Jun Xiong (1159) Seah Kwi Sing research to save a child Lee Jia Ni (1163) Pamela Tan Lee Ling Sithra Rengasamy @ Cheong Kai Ling Date : 19-20 June 2019 Ragasamy (1167) Venue : Tokyo, Japan Nur Aida Astaman (1172) E-mail : [email protected] Website : https://bit.ly/2CGHbgc

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