Health fair raises awareness on ‘silent diseases’
By: [Contributor]
On: 28 August 2024
In: Borneo Bulletin > National
Some six third-year medical students from the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), recently organised an annual health awareness fair, ‘Breaking the Silence Awareness Fair’.
Breaking the Silence Awareness Fair focuses on health conditions that often go unnoticed.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cervical cancer are known as “silent diseases” because they may show no clear symptoms until later stages. Diabetes and bruxism (teeth grinding), while more noticeable, remain under-recognised or misunderstood in the community. The fair was designed for UBD staff and students aged 18 to 55. It featured educational banners and interactive activities to make learning more engaging and practical – encouraging the participants to reflect on their health and adopt healthier habits.
The project collaborated with four other student groups. The medical groups SINAR and SPIKE OUT highlight cervical cancer and diabetes. The dentistry group UNCLENCHED focuses on bruxism, while pharmacy students from CHECKMATE provide health screenings and stressed the importance of regular check-ups – creating a broader and impactful community health initiative.
The event was held under the Kidney Learning, Empowerment, Awareness, and Nutrition (KLEAN) initiative as part of the community health project. It aimed to promote kidney health and raise public awareness about (CKD) and other health conditions in Brunei Darussalam. The event provided a platform to educate, empower, and inspire healthier lifestyles. It shines a light on both silent and overlooked health conditions that continue to affect many in Brunei Darussalam.
Vice-Chancellor of UBD Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle and Dean of PAPRSB IHS Kenneth Kok Yuh Yen were present.
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the attendees during the health fair. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTOR
