Sarawak To Set Up Lab To Coordinate HPV Initiatives, Resources

KUCHING, Aug 3 (Bernama) -- Sarawak is establishing a laboratory to streamline and coordinate all HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) screening and vaccination initiatives, as well as resources, to eradicate cervical cancer by 2030.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said that the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) will oversee the implementation of HPV-related programmes, particularly targeting rural areas, to ensure comprehensive coverage across the state.

“During COVID-19, we procured several PCR machines, which are now underutilised. So, why don't we repurpose them for HPV screening... that's what I meant by coordinating.

“We call it a lab or workshop because we just want to focus on cervical cancer first, because it is the only cancer that can be eliminated, meaning that we can make cervical cancer history,” he told reporters, after launching ‘Leaving No One Behind – HPV Screening Programme’, here, today.

It was reported that Sarawak has the highest incidence of cervical cancer in Malaysia, with a rate of 12.1 per 100,000 population, surpassing the national rate of 10.2 per 100,000, as estimated by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

In Malaysia, cervical cancer is the third most prevalent cancer among women, whereas in Sarawak it is the second most common cancer. 

Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak, said that the new laboratory will enable better coordination among non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and agencies involved in combating cervical cancer. This will facilitate effective monitoring of all HPV programmes implemented across the state.

“We want to avoid a situation where HPV screening and vaccination programmes are concentrated only in Kuching or Bintulu.

“We do not want to keep on building cancer hospitals, because we got so many people waiting (for treatment) but we want to eliminate, so it's worth it for us to invest,” he said. 

A collaboration of the Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM) and the ROSE Foundation, ‘Leaving No One Behind – HPV Screening Programme’, aims to reach 10,000 women, aged 30 to 65, in the outskirts and underprivileged communities, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak.

-- BERNAMA