An awareness campaign on childhood cancer, thalassaemia, obesity and anaemia was held at the Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Pekan Tutong yesterday.
The campaign, organised by the Children’s Cancer Foundation (YASKA) with volunteers from Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital, included games, activities, quizzes and an exhibition.
YASKA advisor Dr Hajah Norehan binti Haji Johari said, ”As part of our annual childhood cancer awareness event, this year YASKA is reaching out to all four districts by organising an awareness event in each district.”
She added, “This year, we have chosen mosques as our venues in order to reach out to audiences that we might have missed out. We are looking at spreading awareness, especially among active Muslimah groups that represent the grandmothers, mothers and relatives of our children.”
Dr Hajah Norehan also said, “We are raising awareness on thalassaemia and issues of concern among our children at present namely obesity and iron-deficiency anaemia. Our next stops will be in Kuala Belait in September and Temburong in December.”
Community outreach group Children Matters from the 35th Executive Development Programme for Middle Management Officers (EDPMMO) also joined the campaign.
On the sidelines, a blood donation drive with the blood bank of Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Hospital, Tutong was also held. – James Kon
