Program GIGI seeks to enhance awareness, improve access to dental services, and promote better oral health, offering a transformative response to these pressing public health concerns.

Officially inaugurated on 7th December 2024 by YBhg. Datuk Ts. Dr. Mohd Nor Azman Hassan, Deputy Secretary General (Technology Development) of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), the program successfully engaged 178 participants, surpassing its target of 150 participants.

The programme encompassed periodontal health screenings, comprehensive dental examinations, oral health education sessions, and the distribution of oral hygiene kits to promote better oral care practices. The objectives of this programme are as follows:

• To provide dental screenings for the B40 community and ensure prompt referrals for necessary treatment, facilitating early detection and intervention
• To educate the B40 community on oral health and preventive care, aiming to significantly reduce the risk of dental diseases within this group
• To promote periodontal health in the B40 community through periodontal screening, enabling early detection and timely intervention to prevent gum health issues
• To enhance the overall oral health and well-being of the B40 community through accessible and effective oral healthcare, ensuring better health outcomes for this vulnerable group

Program GIGI has addressed critical oral health issues in the B40 community through early detection, education, and empowerment. Initiatives like dental examinations, periodontal screenings, and tailored oral health education have raised awareness and equipped participants with knowledge and tools for better oral health. However, challenges persist: 41.25% of individuals reported dental caries, only 19.38% received fillings, and all participants exhibited some form of periodontal condition, primarily generalized gingivitis.

Despite improvement in awareness, there is a need for continuous education on periodontal disease and preventive care. The program’s impact has been strengthened through collaboration between Universiti Malaya, NIBM and local stakeholders, as well as the distribution of oral health kits. Sustaining and expanding such community-focused initiatives could help to reduce health disparities and improve oral health outcomes for underserved populations.