SIBURAN— Kampung Gayu has been designated as the pioneer site for the Disease Surveillance Programme (DSP), a flagship initiative by the Sarawak Government to strengthen public health infrastructure in rural communities.
Launched on Saturday at the Kampung Gayu Hall, the programme was officiated by Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak, who described the initiative as a transformative move toward a more responsive, holistic, and community-based healthcare system.
“This is not just a health programme – it is an investment in the future health of rural Sarawakians,” said the minister, who is also the Tarat Assemblyman.
The Disease Surveillance Programme, spearheaded by the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) in partnership with the Siburan District Office, incorporates the globally recognised One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health to effectively monitor and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
The programme is particularly notable for its community-focused model, offering free health screenings for conditions such as tuberculosis, parasitic infections, high blood pressure, diabetes, iron deficiency, and HPV testing for women aged 35 to 65, conducted in collaboration with the ROSE Foundation.
“We want diseases to be detected early before they become a burden, because early detection is the key to a healthier, more productive life,” added Roland Sagah.
In addition to on-site healthcare services, the programme collects essential data to inform more accurate, transparent, and effective public health policies in Sarawak. By closing the gap between data and decision-making, the initiative lays the foundation for a smarter, future-ready healthcare framework tailored to rural needs.
Kampung Gayu’s role as the DSP’s pilot site signifies a bold step in empowering rural Sarawakians through health awareness, early intervention, and government support — placing community wellness at the forefront of Sarawak’s development agenda.
