Training manual to tackle sexual issues faced by children with disabilities

Star: PETALING JAYA: A training manual to tackle sexual and reproductive health issues for children and teenagers with disabilities is in its final stages of development by the Health Ministry.
Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said that the manual would focus on the personal care and safety of the child with special needs to prevent them from getting abused.
"We have to face reality that sexual harassment will continue to happen," he told reporters on Tuesday after the media launch of the 24th Kiwanis Treasure Hunt.
"The manual is to help doctors and people to identify and treat. There are guidelines and procedures to follow especially when the person is unable to communicate effectively."
The treasure hunt is organised by the Kiwanis Club of Kuala Lumpur which hopes to raise RM125,000 to help the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation National Centre here, Joy Training Workshop in Malacca, Kiwanis Orphanage in Batu Pahat and other Kiwanis Club of Kuala Lumpur community service projects.
Earlier in his speech, Dr Chua said that Down Syndrome was the most prevalent chromosomal disorder which occurred about one of every 650 births.
This meant, he said that 770 children in Malaysia were born with the disorder yearly and that about 46,200 children and adults have Down Syndrome assuming that the lifespan of a person with the condition is 60 years.
"This figure could even be larger, as no study has been done on the actual situation," he said.
He said that early detection and intervention were important to getting "better outcome" for babies with Down Syndrome adding that more than 90% of deliveries were in hospitals and all babies were examined by doctors before discharge.
Children who have Down Syndrome features will be followed up by the paediatrician and go through check ups for confirmation.
Dr Chua said that child developmental screening is also done at all health clinics, community clinics and mobile clinics throughout Malaysia and any suspected case of delayed development is closely monitored and started on early intervention programme.
There are also 140 health centres, which provide rehabilitation services for children with special needs including Down Syndrome.