SATEERA, a Malaysian biotechnology company, through its Herstory Healthcare Foundation, recently organised a V-Care Education programme at Taman Sinar Harapan Jubli Johor Bahru, a care centre for women with disabilities under the Department of Social Welfare (JKM), highlighting the importance of making intimate health education and hygiene support more accessible to underserved communities often overlooked in broader women’s health conversations.
Conducted together with the OE MDMT005 entrepreneur community, the initiative featured educational sharing sessions for residents, as well as practical hygiene guidance for caregivers and healthcare staff.
Persons with disabilities often face unique challenges related to menstrual hygiene, intimate health management and personal care, yet access to suitable education, communication support and long-term hygiene care remains limited.
As part of the programme, organisers conducted simplified and interactive learning sessions tailored to the residents’ level of understanding, while teachers, nurses and caregivers participated in practical sharing sessions on daily hygiene care and support practices. Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr Quek Yek Song also participated in the programme, providing insights on intimate health, personal safety awareness and the importance of seeking help when needed.
Beyond the educational programme, nearly 20 entrepreneurs from the OE MDMT005 community collectively committed to providing ongoing monthly contributions of REDFORES Intimate Feminine Foam Wash, an intimate hygiene product developed using SATEERA’s Smart Anti-Infective Technology, to women at the centre as part of a longer-term hygiene support effort.
Allen Beh Wei Lun, Organising Chairman of Herstory Healthcare Foundation, shared that HERSTORY was founded with the mission of advancing women’s intimate health education, helping more women understand the importance of preserving beneficial bacteria, and empowering them to live healthier and more dignified lives.
“Education is only the first step. Long-term care, dignity and continued support are equally important, especially for communities that are often overlooked. Through HERSTORY, we hope to make these conversations and support systems more accessible to those who need them most,” he said.
He added that the initiative is intended to go beyond a one-off outreach programme by encouraging sustained support and greater awareness surrounding the hygiene and care needs of persons with disabilities.
Meanwhile, SATEERA’s Founder Dato’ Loh Shin Siong said innovation should ultimately improve lives and serve communities beyond the laboratory.
“At SATEERA, we believe science and technology should not only focus on effectiveness, but also on dignity, wellbeing and long-term protection. We hope initiatives like this can help build a more inclusive and human-centred approach to healthcare support,” he said.
