Three years after successfully completing The Rotary Foundation’s Global Grant Project for The Dementia Therapeutic Garden & Virtual Forest at The Dementia Centre, the Rotary Club of Greentown embarked on an ambitious new initiative. This time, their focus turned to addressing the challenges faced by audiologists at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun.
A comprehensive community needs assessment revealed a global prevalence of 14 in 1000 live births for permanent hearing loss, a condition that can significantly impact a child’s development. Early detection and intervention, recommended by the Joint Committee of Infant Hearing, are crucial to ensuring normal speech and language development. However, implementation of screening programs, particularly in developing countries, remains low due to economic constraints, demographics, and awareness gaps.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Rotary Club of Greentown, led by Rotarian Aniljeet Singh as Project Chair, took on the challenge. Partnering with Rotary clubs in Bangalore and Kuala Lumpur, they secured funding close to RM200K from The Rotary Foundation. This funding enabled the purchase of 2 AABR machines and 5 OAE machines, essential tools for early detection and intervention.
Dr. Nur Azyani bt Amri, Head of Audiology at Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia, collaborated with Rotarian Aniljeet Singh to ensure the success of the project. With meticulous planning and adherence to strict guidelines set by The Rotary Foundation, the project progressed smoothly. Yearly reports, trainings, and monitoring ensured transparency and accountability.
In April, at the Perak State World Hearing Day celebration, the Rotary Club of Greentown officially handed over the equipment to the ENT Department at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun. This marked a significant milestone in their commitment to improving community health and well-being.
Through their dedication and collaboration, the Rotary Club of Greentown continues to make a tangible impact on the lives of individuals in their community.
Source: Rotary Greentown
