MIRI: Community awareness on cleft can be increased through comprehensive promotions from both the state and federal governments.
Sarawak Health Department director Dr Veronica Lugah said the promotions also included from the private sectors and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“We want more people with clefts to come forward and get appropriate treatment as early as possible,” she said.
She said cleft lip and palate is a congenital problem that affects every 500-700 births in Asian countries.
“Babies born with clefts have several medical problems and potential complications that require the solid involvement of various aspects of medical expertise,” she said.
Dr Veronica said this in her speech when officiating at the ‘Cleft Care and Emergencies in Plastic Surgeries’ programme at Pullman Hotel, here on Friday (Mar 1).
Speaking further on the programme, she said that it provided exposure to parents on proper care for cleft individuals.
“Among the common issues closely related to cleft individuals are hearing problems, dental damage, and speech issues that can hinder them from living as fully as possible.
“Incomplete information or limited knowledge among parents also leads them to focus solely on surgery without giving equal attention to other aspects of cleft care,” she explained.
Additionally, she revealed that the course also provided exposure to handling plastic surgery emergency cases.
“Some cases requiring plastic surgery include facial trauma, burns, arteriovenous fistula bleeding, and limb salvage surgery in trauma cases typically seen in emergency departments.
“However, this topic is rarely included in medical school curricula and some educational conferences.
“Therefore, with this course, it will enhance awareness and education on managing such emergency cases within the community,” she added.
