3.3 – Collaborations and health services

3.3.4 – Sexual and reproductive health care services for students

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is an essential component of overall well-being and plays a vital role in ensuring that individuals can make informed and responsible decisions about their bodies, relationships, and future. At Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services are provided to promote the physical, emotional and social well-being of students. These services aim to create a supportive environment where students can access accurate information, confidential consultations, and appropriate healthcare without stigma or discrimination.

Table shows sexual and reproductive health care services for students in UKM

No.	Health Care Services
1.	Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic at University Health Centre (PKU)
2.	Obstetric and Gynecology (O&G) at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM)
3.	Activities and programmesi . World Sexual Health Day ii. Training of Trainers (TOT) Workshop on the Reproductive and Social Health Education (PEKERTI) Module 2024 iii. Jom Sihat Carnival 2024 iv. Webinar on Menstrual Problem

1. Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Clinic, University Health Centre (PKU)  UKM, Bangi

Sexual and reproductive health care services are provided by the Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Clinic located at University Health Centre, UKM, Bangi. It provides comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services free of charge to all campus residents, especially students. These services include promotion and consultation on various aspects of sexual and reproductive health, ensuring that individuals have access to the information and care they need to make informed decisions about their health.

Services include reproductive health, gender and sexuality, family planning and sexually transmitted disease (STD).

1. UKM offers consultation about Reproductive Health that refers to the well-being of the reproductive system throughout all stages of life. These services include:
   1. Gynecological services:  Care for conditions like menstrual disorders, infertility and pelvic pain.
   2. Pregnancy-related care: This includes prenatal care and pregnancy counseling.
   3. Sexual health education: Promotes awareness of sexual health, menstrual health, fertility, and contraception.
2. UKM offers consultation about Gender and Sexuality focuses on understanding and respecting differences in gender identity and sexual orientation. Health care services and education programs provide:
   1. Counseling services: Support for students who may be exploring or struggling with issues related to gender identity or sexual orientation.
3. UKM helps students make informed decisions on family planning about reproduction, including whether and when to have children. These services typically include:
   1. Counseling and education: Guidance on reproductive health, contraception use, and spacing pregnancies.
   2. Preconception care: Support for students on planning to have children, ensuring they are physically and mentally prepared for pregnancy.
4. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are infections spread through sexual contact. UKM offers health services typically focus on:
   1. Screening and testing: Regular screenings for STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV.
   2. Treatment: Access to antibiotics or antiviral medications to treat or manage infections.
   3. Prevention education: Programs and workshops to educate about the importance of using condoms and practicing safe sex to prevent the spread of STDs.
   4. Counseling: Emotional and psychological support for individuals diagnosed with an STD, including guidance on managing the infection and preventing transmission.

During events such as the Health Carnival, UKM collaborates with Government and Non-Government Organizations such as the Ministry of Health, Insaf Murni and PKU UKM to offer additional services, including HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) screening and consultations. This collaborative approach ensures that students and staff receive the highest quality of care and support, contributing to their overall well-being and reducing the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections on campus.

2. Obstetrics & Gynecology (O&G) Clinic at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM)

Located on the ground floor of the Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) clinical building, the Obstetric Clinic provides care and treatment services for referred pregnant women. Meanwhile, the Gynecology Clinic offers general gynecological services, including infertility cases, gyne-oncology cases, uro-gynecology cases and menopause cases.

Among the services offered are:

• Maternal Fetal Medicine
• Gynecologic Oncology
• Infertility
• Menopause
• Urogynaecology
• Adolescent & Pediatric Clinic
• Gynecology Clinic

All services are offered with strict confidentiality, ensuring students can seek help without concern about privacy. Services are accessible to all students, and appointments can be made directly at the health center. For more specific details, students are encouraged to contact the University Health Centre (PKU) or visit the UKM health services website for appointment booking and additional information.

Link: hctm.ukm.my/ong/klinik-obstetrik-ginekologi-og/

3. Activities and programmes

In addition to the facilities and services related to sexual and reproductive healthcare provided to students, UKM also consistently organizes activities and programs specifically aimed at educating students on sexual and reproductive issues.

i. World Sexual Health Day 2024

The World Sexual Health Day 2024 was held on 4 September 2024 at the Main Lobby, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), organized by the Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UKM in collaboration with HCTM. With the theme “Positive Relationships in the Socio-Cultural Context of Malaysian Society”, the event aimed to raise awareness and foster open discussions on sexual health through both physical and online platforms.

The program featured a series of impactful activities including an Online Sexual Health Forum, health screenings, a Health Quiz, and an international webinar with panelists from Malaysia, Australia, Japan, and India. It was conducted in partnership with the Faculty of Medicine UKM, Department of Family Medicine USM, National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) and the Cheras Health Office.

The event successfully engaged a wide audience: 458 students, 116 staff and 155 healthcare professionals participated, while the online forum reached 303 live viewers, 4,200 replays and 57 shares. The program had a significant impact by raising awareness on sexual health, encouraging positive relationships, and providing accessible preventive healthcare services to the community. This initiative strongly contributed to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being by advancing health education, strengthening preventive care, and fostering community empowerment.

ii. Training of Trainers (TOT) Workshop on the Reproductive and Social Health Education (PEKERTI) Module 2024

The Training of Trainers (TOT) Workshop on the Reproductive and Social Health Education (PEKERTI) Module 2024 was held from 18–19 July 2024 at The Straits Hotel & Suites, Melaka. This workshop was designed to expose and train officers from the Student Affairs Department (HEP) of Public Universities (UA), Government-Linked Universities (GLU), University Health Centers and Counseling Divisions/Units on the PEKERTI module developed by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN). It also served as a platform for knowledge-sharing, best practices and scholarly discussions between experts from LPPKN and participants in the field of reproductive and social health.

The objectives of the workshop were to equip professionals with the skills to prevent and reduce risky sexual behaviors that may result in unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS; to increase awareness of gender equality and living free from violence; and to cultivate moral values, responsibility and ethical behavior in sexual relationships.

The workshop was conducted in collaboration with Public Universities (UA), the Department of Higher Education (KPT) and LPPKN. Activities included talks on sexual harassment, quizzes and interactive Q&A sessions. The program was fully supported through sponsorship, enabling participation free of charge for all attendees.

The workshop engaged staff representatives from universities and health units, equipping them with enhanced knowledge and practical skills. It successfully raised awareness on sexual harassment, improved participants’ coping skills, and guided professionals on where to seek help when facing related issues. The initiative strongly contributed to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, by advancing preventive education, strengthening professional capacity, and fostering safer and healthier environments in higher education institutions.

iii. Jom Sihat Carnival

On May 15, 2024, the UKM Health Centre (PKU UKM) organized the Karnival Jom Sihat 2024. Karnival Jom Sihat or Let’s Get Healthy Carnival, was open to all members of UKM, including students, aimed to spread information related to health and provide UKM students with the opportunity to receive free health screening services, including those related to sexual and reproductive health.

iv. Webinar on  Menstrual Problem

On December 18, 2024, a webinar on sexual and reproductive health was organized by PKU. The webinar, delivered by UKM’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology Specialist, Associate Professor Dr. Ixora binti Kamisan @ Atan, discussed issues related to menstrual problems faced by women. This program indirectly helped to educate UKM students on sexual and reproductive health.

The sexual and reproductive health care services and educational programmes provided by UKM have made a significant positive impact on the health, knowledge and overall well-being of its student community. Through comprehensive and confidential services offered by the Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic at the University Health Centre (PKU) and the Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) Clinic at Hospital Chancellor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), students are empowered to access essential healthcare and professional consultations related to reproductive health, family planning, pregnancy, gender identity and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

The integration of educational initiatives such as World Sexual Health Day 2024, the Training of Trainers (TOT) Workshop on the PEKERTI Module 2024, the Karnival Jom Sihat 2024 and the Webinar on Menstrual Problems has further enhanced awareness and understanding of sexual and reproductive health among students. These programmes promote responsible decision-making, reduce stigma surrounding sexual health discussions and strengthen preventive health behaviors.Collectively, these initiatives have cultivated a more informed and health-conscious student population, reduced risky sexual behaviors, and increased access to preventive care and counseling. The efforts also contribute directly to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being, by advancing health education, promoting gender equality and fostering a supportive environment for students to lead safe, healthy and empowered lives.