Talk 1: A Look at the Past Year and Beyond! - Spina Bifida Association of Malaysia

Li-Shun Chua, Yean Koon Chan, Rashidah Ismail Ohnmar Htwe, Kribanandan G Naidu, Amaramalar Selvi Naicker Spina Bifida Association of Malaysia, Malaysia

Background: The Spina Bifida Association of Malaysia (SIBIAM) had an eventful year as we continued advocacy, education and peer support efforts while facing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. SIBIAM began 2021 with mixed feelings of uncertainty but also enthusiasm to restart our activities, as pandemic restrictions loosened.

Methods: SIBIAM was eager to kick off main project: The Training Healthcare Professionals and Special Needs Teachers on the Management of Spina Bifida project, a collaboration with District Action Group on Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (DASH), is a 3-phase project supported by the Rotary International Global Grant. Although Phase 1 had begun, the launch finally took place online on 31 July 2021. It was graced by key leaders from Rotary District 3300 and the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day was celebrated with a local event highlighting SIBIAM’s many talented members, on 30 October 2021. Early 2022 was dedicated to Phase 2 of the Global Grant project.

Results: The Training The Trainers workshop, held on 25-26 March 2022, saw 20 experts in various disciplines share their knowledge and experience in Spina Bifida management with 34 healthcare professionals from across Malaysia. The participants will bring what they’ve learned to their respective localities in Phase 3, which opened with the first regional workshop in Negeri Sembilan in July.

Conclusion: The trans-organisational partnerships SIBIAM formed have proven valuable in realising long time plans for a nationwide Spina Bifida awareness campaign. The association is excited for what is to come!