NCSM EXTENDS HPV PROTECTION IN CONJUNCTION WITH SARAWAK DAY

BINTULU, July 22 (Bernama) -- The National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) today launched the Sarawak state-level Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Immunisation Programme "Leaving No One Behind" in conjunction with the 61st Sarawak Day celebration.

The programme was officiated by Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian here.

It is an NCSM initiative to eradicate cervical cancer caused by HPV in Malaysia, targeting men and women aged 13 to 26, especially from the underprivileged group. 

NCSM managing director Associate Professor Dr Murallitharan Munisamy said NCSM aims at helping at least 50,000 Sarawakians - both females and males - to get protection from the HPV.

"This immunisation in Sarawak alone is worth RM15 million. We hope that with this launch, more Sarawakians, regardless of gender, will take the opportunity to protect themselves and their families from the threat of cervical cancer," he said.

Murallitharan thanked the Sarawak state government for their support and cooperation, corporate partner MSD for their contribution of 300,000 doses of HPV protection and Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM) for their contribution of RM3 million.

He also expressed his gratitude to the sponsors including Malaysian Red Crescent Society Sarawak, Affin Bank and The Malaysian Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints apart from the valuable contributions of official cargo and aviation partners Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) and MASkargo for the Sabah and Sarawak state-level programmes.

However, Murallitharan said that NCSM still needs an additional RM6 million to ensure the smooth running of the programme and therefore, called on all parties, including NGOs, corporations, and individuals, to contribute in any way they can.

To date the programme has successfully protected more than 50,000 Malaysians from the threat of HPV.

Since its introduction in November last year, the immunisation programme, has reached various areas including rural areas in Johor, Kedah, Perak, Kelantan, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang.

Dr Sim, meanwhile, urged all Sarawakians to take the opportunity to get free protection from HPV to protect themselves, their families, and the community. 

"The more people get protected, the less are infected by the virus, thus reducing the burden in the hospitals of this state," he said.

-- BERNAMA