AdminUniversiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) is expanding its community screening programme for anaemia among children aged seven to under 12, with additional weekend sessions across the Klang Valley offering eligible children optional dengue vaccination.
The programme aims to improve early detection of anaemia, a condition that can go unnoticed in children but may affect their learning, growth and development if left untreated.
Children with anaemia may tire easily, struggle to concentrate in school, appear pale or have low energy levels. The condition is also associated with a greater risk of severe illness if they contract dengue, highlighting the importance of early detection in dengue-endemic Malaysia.
The expansion follows encouraging participation in earlier community programmes and comes amid a continuing dengue burden nationwide.
By Oct 14, 2026, Malaysia had recorded more than 76,000 dengue cases. Dengue-related deaths had also nearly doubled by early September, with 62 fatalities compared with 32 during the corresponding period in 2025.
An international review cited by the programme found that children with dengue were twice as likely as adults to develop severe dengue.
Dengue can lead to hospitalisation, missed school and disruption to family routines. Fatigue may also persist for several weeks after recovery, while parents and guardians may need to take time off work to care for affected children.
More weekend sessions across Klang Valley
Between May and October 2026, more than 3,600 children participated in the programme, with 60% to 70% opting for dengue vaccination. Previous community sessions were held in Petaling Jaya, Ampang, Kepong, Subang and Shah Alam.
“The response so far has been encouraging, and we want more families to be able to participate. By holding more sessions close to home and at weekends, we hope to make it easier for parents to have their children screened and discuss dengue prevention with our medical team,” said Professor Dr Rafdzah Ahmad Zaki, a public health medicine specialist at UMMC.
Selected community sessions will also feature clowns, balloons, supadoopa activities and goodie bags.
Upcoming sessions are scheduled for Oct 24 at SJK(C) Poi Min, from 11am to 5pm; Nov 1 at Masjid Subang Perdana, from 9am to 3pm; Nov 14 at PPR Pinggiran Bukit Jalil, from 9am to 3pm; Nov 22 at Apartment Idaman Damansara Damai PJU 10/1, from 9am to 3pm; and Nov 28 at PPR Lembah Subang 2, from 9am to 3pm.
Parents and guardians can register through the respective links provided by the programme or walk in on the day of the event.
Eligibility, registration and dengue prevention
Weekday walk-in sessions are also available at UMMC until Oct 30, from Tuesday to Friday, between 9am and 4pm, at Level 5 of the Women and Children Health Complex. The clinic will be closed on Mondays, weekends and public holidays.
The programme is intended for children aged seven to under 12 who have not previously received a dengue vaccine. UMMC’s clinic serves children living or attending school in Petaling district, Kuala Lumpur or Ampang. Families should confirm eligibility for community sessions with the programme team.
Vaccination is optional and subject to eligibility and vaccine stock availability.
For enquiries, parents may contact Professor Dr Rafdzah Ahmad Zaki or Dr Darishiani at 018-251 1614.
UMMC also encourages families to remove mosquito breeding sites, take measures to prevent mosquito bites and seek medical advice promptly if dengue is suspected.
Community session registration links
- Oct 24 — SJK(C) Poi Min: https://forms.gle/nkdqJ6sTHPAsBwe27
- Nov 1 — Masjid Subang Perdana: https://forms.gle/AG3DVsqNufn9FGVN9
- Nov 14 — PPR Pinggiran Bukit Jalil: https://forms.gle/YX7cajrj7UjpDWVeA
- Nov 22 — Apartment Idaman Damansara Damai PJU 10/1: https://forms.gle/dvP9ufY7hd5BRCEL9
- Nov 28 — PPR Lembah Subang 2: https://forms.gle/quxxMDsQgsA2xuAD9
- UMMC weekday walk-ins until Oct 30: https://forms.gle/H44Kpd4GmngdCPRp7
Yalinie Mathan
Sashidaran Gunathevan
CJMY
Add comment