More than 10,500 women in Malaysia have tested positive for human papillomavirus (HPV) through cervical cancer screening efforts by the Health Ministry over the past five years. This significant number was revealed by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who stated that these cases were identified under the comprehensive Action Plan Towards the Elimination of Cervical Cancer 2021–2030, an initiative that has successfully screened over 160,000 women nationwide.

Despite these screening efforts, Dr Dzulkefly highlighted an alarming statistic: 65% of women in Malaysia have not undergone cervical cancer screening in the past three years. This figure is particularly concerning given that cervical cancer is widely recognized as one of the most preventable forms of cancer. He emphasized that the disease is caused by a virus, making it detectable early, treatable when caught in time, and entirely eliminable with decisive action. Many women remain unaware, hesitant, or underserved, often due to fear, stigma, or lack of access to screening services.

Speaking at the launch of Etiqa’s Free Cervical Screening Programme Phase Five, held in collaboration with the ROSE Foundation, Dr Dzulkefly underscored the transformative impact of scientific advancements, such as HPV DNA self-sampling. This innovation has made screening safer, more private, and painless, boasting an impressive 90% accuracy rate and requiring screening only once every five to ten years, significantly improving convenience and accessibility for women.

The Health Ministry fully supports community-based initiatives like Program ROSE (Removing Obstacles to Cervical Screening), which effectively leverages corporate partnerships to establish sustainable, patient-centred cancer care models. Currently, 44 government hospitals are actively collaborating with Program ROSE to bridge critical gaps in access to care across the country. Dr Dzulkefly specifically commended Etiqa’s ongoing partnership with the ROSE Foundation, noting that the fifth phase of their joint initiative is expected to benefit an additional 4,000 women, particularly those in underserved communities. This program not only expands access to vital screening services but also aligns perfectly with the ministry's overarching aspiration to eliminate cervical cancer in Malaysia.

However, Dr Dzulkefly stressed that the fight against cervical cancer extends beyond clinical interventions, necessitating a profound cultural shift and shared societal responsibility. He affirmed, "Our fight is not just clinical, it is also cultural and social. We must normalise conversations about cervical cancer, challenge the shame surrounding HPV, and reaffirm that there is no shame in prevention, only strength."