Top Honours for FOSTER study

The FOSTER study was awarded the Session Best Presentation at last week's 9th International Conference on Public Health (ICOPH), under the category of Primary Healthcare, Infant and Child Health.

‘Feasibility of COVID-19 Self-Testing in Refugee Learning Centres in Malaysia’ (FOSTER) study is a collaboration between the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Health Equity Initiatives (HEI), and FIND.

Funded by FIND, Switzerland, the research team comprised Dr. Sharuna Verghis (PI), Dr. Yatinesh Kumari Singh (Co-I), Dr. Yap Kwong Hsia (Co-I), and Dr. Chan Yann Yoong (Research Fellow).

About the FOSTER Study

Self-testing plays a crucial role in the early detection and management of various diseases including COVID-19, Hepatitis B and C, HIV, and HPV, empowering individuals to take proactive control of their health and relieve strain on the healthcare system. For refugees, who were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, like other marginalized populations, COVID-19 self-tests expand the community’s access to testing and steps they can take to reduce disease transmission and early intervention. Predicated on the premise that schools provide a crucial entry point to reach the broader refugee community, this implementation research sought to assess the feasibility of a service delivery package for COVID-19 self-testing in refugee schools across Malaysia as they returned to endemicity. An essential component of this strategy involved the training of community health workers who play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between refugee communities including schools, healthcare providers, and government stakeholders.

The study was supported by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia, and the UNHCR. Prior to the 9th International Conference on Public Health, the Director General of Health, Datuk Dr. Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan, who was a member of the Technical Working Group of the study, in a recorded video statement said,

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, school closures have disproportionately affected children, especially refugees. Ensuring consistent and safe in-person education for these children is a top priority. The FOSTER study is highlighted as a successful example of achieving this. Schools are seen as crucial entry points to reach the broader refugee community.”

More information visit Workplace: Top Honours for Monash University Malaysia’s FOSTER Study