Ensuring safe environment for kids
By Achong Tanjong

Taking a closer look at the Ambulance Services booth

A two-day health exhibition held in conjunction with World Health Day 2003 at the International Convention Centre in Berakas drew to a close yesterday. It had received an overwhelming response from members of the public, especially school children. Themed "Shape The Future Of Life - Healthy Environments For Children", the exhibition highlighted issues on safe environments in the context of health and children development.

"The exhibition aims to provide knowledge to children on 'environment dangers' around them," Dr. Hajah Rahmah, the Director of Health Services cum co-chairperson of the celebration said during her welcoming speech at the officiating ceremony on Monday.

"The exhibition also aims to remind parents and adults on risks that threaten the safety, growth, development and good health of children," she went on to say.

Other activities organised by Ministry of Health in conjunction with the World Health Day 2003 celebration was the drawing and colouring contest, which was participated by more than 300 children aged 5 year above.

In an effort to promote education awareness, the Ministry of Health has also taken steps in forwarding posters and brochures focussing on the celebration's theme. These will be distributed to strategic places such as health clinics and schools around the country.

Meanwhile, Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, Director General of World Health Organisation (WHO) in her message said: "The biggest threat to children's health lurks in the very places that should be the safest - homes, schools and communities."

"Deaths can be prevented. We know what to do. Strategies have been developed to combat these threat to children's health," she said and added: "But they need to be implemented on a global and national scale."

In September 2002, WHO launched the Health Environments for Children Initiate.

"We are now working with different groups around the world to turn this initiative into a vibrant, global alliance which will be capable of mobilising local support to make children's lives healthier.

"By working together, we are better able to confront the environmental health issues faced by communities, countries, regions and sector all around the world," she said.

Participating at the two-days exhibition were Pharmaceutical Services, Dental Services, Ambulance Services, Health Environment Unit, Narcotic Control Bureau, Fire Services and Royal Brunei Police as well as Health Promotion Unit.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin