Sarawak aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030 amid high incidence rates

Dr Sim (centre) witnessing the presentation of a mock cheque amounting RM650,000 to ROSE foundation at a hotel on Aug 3, 2024.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Aug 3: Sarawak, which reports the highest cervical cancer incidence rates in Malaysia, is determined to eliminate the disease among women by 2030 to prevent the loss of young talents who otherwise could contribute to the prosperity of the region.

According to the estimates from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the cervical cancer incidence rate in Sarawak is 12.1 per 100,000 population, surpassing the national rate of 10.2 per 100,000.

Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian emphasised that while efforts are ongoing through education, raising awareness and programmes like ‘Leaving No One Behind’ to empower women, it is not enough as Sarawak needs to be ahead of the curve to eliminate the necessity for future interventions.

“Moreover, no talent is too old to lose. Sarawak is also focused on inclusivity, where no race will be left behind, whether urban or rural, and we will achieve it. If Sarawak cannot achieve it, nowhere else in Malaysia can. This is the way we do it because we do not quarrel among ourselves; we are not divisive or extreme or polarising.

“We just get the work done towards achieving prosperity for all by 2030,” he remarked when addressing the Live Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM) and ROSE Foundation collaboration on ‘Leaving No One Behind HPV Screening Programme’ at a hotel here today.

To ensure accessibility to cervical cancer screening in Sarawak, a workshop will be conducted this month to coordinate duties and match necessary resources, including funding and medical assets available, to prevent duplication among all stakeholders involved.

Dr Sim explained that the workshop, led by Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre chief executive officer (CEO) Assoc Prof Dr Ivan Yap Kok Seng, will map out the who, what, where, when, with what, and how to run cervical cancer programmes effectively, including the possibility of extending them to 271 public clinics throughout the region.

This preparation also aligned with the proposed physical laboratory for cervical cancer testing being planned in Sarawak, costing about RM15 million.

He stressed that this workshop is crucial to ensure proper coordination, from how to deploy human resources and medical assets to resolving various issues such as who goes where, what assets and equipment are available or if there is a need to get new equipment, and addressing issues related to transportation, logistics, and even cultural barriers to human papillomavirus (HPV) testing.

“During the Covid pandemic, Sarawak procured many PCR (polymerase chain reaction) machines, which are now lying around and underutilised. These can be redeployed to health facilities throughout Sarawak.

“The National Cancer Society of Malaysia has also allocated 50,000 doses of HPV vaccination for Sarawak out of the 300,000 available. Sabah has been given the same amount. We need to coordinate their deployment effectively.

“Once coordination is achieved, we will be ready. If there is not enough funding, the Sarawak government will step in because we want Sarawak to be the first in the country to eliminate cervical cancer. We want to go beyond ‘no one is left behind’ in ensuring no one should ever miss the opportunity to prevent cervical cancer,” he pointed out.

Despite the social and geographical challenges in Sarawak in addressing healthcare issues, Dr Sim expressed confidence in the health stakeholders’ ability to succeed when various organisations like the ROSE Foundation, LIAM, the National Cancer Society Malaysia, and both the federal and Sarawak governments collaborate.

“It’s not hot air or daydreaming. But it’s definitely doable when we pull everyone together under one roof. Since cervical cancer is preventable and can be eliminated through early diagnosis, we should seize this opportunity for all anak Sarawak.

“Look, it is nothing to be ashamed of. We just need to be tested. We just need to be cautioned early. And if we test early, you can be cured. It is preventable, and cervical cancer can be eliminated,” he stressed.

ROSE Foundation chair Dato Professor Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman and its founding trustee Prof Dr Woo Yin Ling, as well as LIAM chief executive officer Mark O’Dell and its management committee member Dato Koh Yaw Hui, were among those present. — DayakDaily