HPV testing: Women more aware, thanks to NGOs

KUCHING: Women in Sarawak are now more aware of the need to test for the human papillomavirus (HPV) which can put them at risk of contracting cervical cancer.

In the last four years Sarawak has emerged the leading state when it comes to women screening for HPV in the country.

Women, Children and Community Well-being Development Minister, Datuk Sri Fatimah Abdullah, credited this to the tireless efforts of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) conducting awareness programmes throughout the state.

She said they have worked diligently and are highly committed to advocacy programmes and conducting tests for the people.

“The increase in HPV testing in Sarawak is not only due to the state government’s efforts but also that of NGOs, which get grants from the government, to ensure they reach every area in the state, thereby ensuring that rural communities are not left behind.

“The integrated efforts between NGOs and the Sarawak government have yielded satisfactory results,” she said after a courtesy visit to the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) office on Monday (Jan 22).

Fatimah, visited the DBKU Cat Museum.

Federal Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development, Dato Sri Nancy Shukri, had earlier revealed that a total of 112,524 women underwent the tests from 2019 to last year with 23,744 of them in Sarawak, followed by Sabah (12,778) and Kuala Lumpur (10,932).

“The data shows a significant increase in the number of women undergoing one-time tests, reflecting the success of cervical cancer screening programmes nationwide. We see more women bravely stepping forward for early detection and prevention,” she told reporters after launching the Kasih KPWK: Gempur Saringan HPV DNA 2024 programme in Labuan in conjunction with the National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month recently.

Also present during Fatimah’s DBKU visit were her Deputy Ministers, Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam and Datuk Rosey Yunus as well as Deputy Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications, Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi.