Page 36 - Malaysian Journal of Health Promotion, Vol 4 (Supplementary 1) 2022

Malaysian Journal of Health Promotion, Vol 4 (Supplementary 1) 2022
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14 MOH-AMM Scientific Meeting 2022 in conjunction with 23 NIH Scientific Conference Abstract Book
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thus, clinicians must be flexible in their approach and open to discussion and collaboration
with autistic individuals and their families. Additionally, a paradigm shift towards societal

acceptance and support is imperative for autistic individuals to fully realise their potential as
contributing members of the community.

GENOMIC MEDICINE IN CHILDREN

Professor Dr. Thong Meow Keong
University Malaya Medical Centre

Genomic medicine is defined as ‘‘an emerging medical discipline that involves using genomic
information about an individual as part of their clinical care and the health outcomes and
policy implications of that clinical use’’ (National Human Genome Research Institute [NHGRI]).
While the main focus is on these exciting new frontiers, there is an urgent need to address
the issue of delivery of genomic medicine towards the healthcare of infants and children.

There are genuine concerns that advances in genomic medicine will create an acute shortage
of qualified genetic professionals with competency to practise safely in this field. Some
medical practitioners advocated that with the use of genomic technology, genomic testing
should be routinely available as a part of a patient’s investigations. This lack of understanding
of genomic medicine raised the question on the role of genetic and genomic counselling
provided by medical practitioners and the steps needed to overcome these challenges.

Typically, genetic counsellors work with clinical geneticists and clinical scientists with the
focus on providing information, interpreting genetic information to patients and to provide
support and care for the patients and their families. In recent years, the scope of genetic
counselling expanded to include interpreting variants, arranging complex genomic testing,
assessing patients for appropriate disease screening and handle all the consequent
psychosocial and ethical issues raised. Many have also taken on tasks which evolved into
research, policy and education. Recently gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy type 1 was
started in University of Malaya Medical Centre in 2020. Hence, the term ‘genomic counselling’
was advocated. There is a need to improve genomic medicine education in medical schools
and all medical specialties training as well as raise public and professional awareness of
genomic medicine in children.

SYMPOSIUM 6 – LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND: PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSES TO THE NCD EPIDEMIC
IN VULNERABLE POPULATIONS

IMPROVING AND SUSTAINING NUTRITION OF ORANG ASLI IN THE INTERIOR AND URBAN
POOR CHILDREN

Mrs. Zalma Abdul Razak
Nutrition Division,
Ministry of Health Malaysia

Child malnutrition remains a major problem among Malaysian children, mainly among Orang
Asli and Urban Poor Children. The poor nutritional status of the Orang Asli population and

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