Stem cancer, get your HPV shots: Sim

BINTULU: People in the state have been encouraged to protect themselves against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) to not only safeguard themselves but their families and the wider community.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian cited that HPV is responsible for 95 per cent of cervical cancer cases in Malaysia and is also linked to other cancers, including nasopharyngeal cancer, tonsil cancer, penile cancer and vaginal cancer.

He said the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) has launched a free HPV prevention initiative in Sarawak through the Leaving No One Behind HPV Immunisation Programme.

“I have been informed that NCSM aims to assist at least 50,000 individuals in Sarawak in obtaining HPV protection, irrespective of their gender.

“I urge all residents of Sarawak to take advantage of this opportunity for free HPV protection to shield themselves, their families and the community.

“The more individuals who are vaccinated, the lower the transmission of this virus will be, thus alleviating the burden on our state hospitals,” he said.

He said this during the state-level launching of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Immunisation here on Monday (Jul 22).

Dr Sim, who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, explained that with effective HPV protection, the incidence of cervical cancer could be reduced by as much as 90 per cent.

The Leaving No One Behind HPV Immunisation Programme targets Malaysian citizens, both male and female, aged 13 to 26, who have not previously received HPV protection, with a priority given to those at higher risk. This protection is provided free of charge.

During the programme, about 300 individuals received the HPV vaccination, with over 3,000 doses transported to Bintulu to facilitate the continuation of this initiative in the surrounding area.

The event was also attended by Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Datuk Micheal Tiang, NCSM President Datuk Dr Saunthari Somasundaram, NCSM Managing Director Associate Professor Dr Murallitharan Munisamy and Deputy Director of the Sarawak State Health Department Dr Rohani Mat Bah.