Health Equity Initiatives (HEI)

The theme for World Mental Health Day 2024 is 'It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace'. This year, we would like to highlight the reality of work for marginalised populations in Malaysia, in particular, refugees and asylum seekers. Fleeing from persecution, they are forced to take up 3D (dirty, dangerous and difficult) jobs, in order to survive. They are often subjected to work conditions that can be precarious and unstable, which precipitates and perpetuates mental health problems. Acknowledging these experiences calls for a deeper understanding of the systemic issues at play. We must continue to respond with empathy, so together, we can cultivate an environment where everyone has equitable opportunities to find well-being 💚✨ #WorldMentalHealthDay #Refugees #MentalHealthMatters

We’re thrilled to celebrate the graduation of 22 remarkable individuals from HEI's Community Health Worker (CHW) Training on Mental Health! These graduates have successfully completed a comprehensive course that has equipped them with vital knowledge and skills to spread awareness and address mental health challenges in their communities. The graduation ceremony was a memorable occasion, attended by our valued partners from community-based organizations (CBOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as the proud family members and friends of our graduates. The event featured a welcome address by our Executive Director, Ms. Alice Tan, a powerful keynote speech by HEI’s Co-Founder, Director, Professor and Consultant Psychiatrist, Prof Xavier Pereira, and an inspiring address by the Head of Public Health, UNHCR Malaysia, Mr. Jason Yeo. Guests enjoyed special performances by our graduates, including heartfelt songs and a traditional cultural dance. The ceremony concluded with the 2024 Class singing ‘The Climb,’ a powerful anthem about perseverance and resilience, reminding us that the journey itself is as important as the destination. Here’s to our graduates as they embark on their mission to make a difference in mental health across their communities! 🎓🎉 #MentalHealthMatters #Graduation #CommunityHealthWorkers #Empowerment

We’re thrilled to celebrate the graduation of 22 remarkable individuals from HEI's Community Health Worker (CHW) Training on Mental Health! These graduates have successfully completed a comprehensive course that has equipped them with vital knowledge and skills to spread awareness and address mental health challenges in their communities. The graduation ceremony was a memorable occasion, attended by our valued partners from community-based organizations (CBOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as the proud family members and friends of our graduates. The event featured a welcome address by our Executive Director, Ms. Alice Tan, a powerful keynote speech by HEI’s Co-Founder, Director, Professor and Consultant Psychiatrist, Prof Xavier Pereira, and an inspiring address by the Head of Public Health, UNHCR Malaysia, Mr. Jason Yeo. Guests enjoyed special performances by our graduates, including heartfelt songs and a traditional cultural dance. The ceremony concluded with the 2024 Class singing ‘The Climb,’ a powerful anthem about perseverance and resilience, reminding us that the journey itself is as important as the destination. Here’s to our graduates as they embark on their mission to make a difference in mental health across their communities! 🎓🎉 #MentalHealthMatters #Graduation #CommunityHealthWorkers #Empowerment

🎥 Exciting News: A new video, produced by the World Health Organization (WHO) and showcasing our work at Health Equity Initiatives (HEI), is now featured in WHO's 4th Global School on Refugee and Migrant Health. It's a testament to our commitment and impact in Malaysia's refugee community. 🔍 In Focus: • Advancing health literacy among refugees • The essential role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in bridging cultural and language gaps • Enhancing access to vital health and mental health information • Empowering communities through targeted outreach, training, and capacity building 🤝 Collaboration: This video was produced by WHO and is a beacon of collaborative success between HEI and the Division of Healthy Environments and Populations, Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO), as well as the WHO Malaysia Country Office, with the support of the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. Sharuna Verghis World Health Organization #HealthEquityInitiatives #CommunityHealthWorkers #WHO #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #RefugeeHealth #GlobalHealth #Collaboration #Malaysia #4GSRMH #HealthForAll