KUCHING: The Outreach WCaRe: Pemerkasaan Komuniti Etnik programme is strengthening community-based healthcare efforts in Sarawak, with a focus on early detection of cervical cancer among women.
Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the initiative, implemented through the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), ensures essential health services reach communities directly.
The programme also aims to raise awareness on the importance of early screening, particularly through the HPV DNA test.
She urged women to come forward for screening, stressing the importance of early detection.
“I know many are worried and afraid. But the reality is cervical cancer can be treated if detected early. Do not be afraid and do not wait,” she said at the Outreach WCaRe programme today (Apr 11).
Nancy noted that since 2019 until March 31 this year, a total of 202,889 women nationwide have undergone HPV DNA screening.
In Sarawak alone, 55,266 women were screened, with 4,710 testing positive for HPV, 92 identified as pre-cancer cases and 10 diagnosed with cervical cancer.
“These numbers show how crucial it is for us to continue screening. Early detection allows timely treatment and can save lives,” she said.
She added that Kampung Santubong was selected as the first pilot site for cervical cancer elimination, with 295 women (44.8 per cent) screened so far and 34 positive cases referred for treatment.
Nancy said community outreach is further strengthened through the ‘Pemerkasaan Komuniti Melalui Duta Etnik’ programme, where local women are trained as ambassadors to encourage others to undergo screening.
The ‘Duta Etnik’ initiative plays a role in encouraging friends, neighbours and members of their communities to come forward for screening, as advice from familiar faces is often more easily accepted.
“For 2026, we aim for 5,500 women to undergo HPV DNA tests and 4,000 to receive mammograms in Sarawak,” she said.
She added that the services are free and urged the public to take the opportunity to prioritise their health.
