BINTULU: Sarawakians are urged to take the opportunity to get free protection against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) to protect themselves, their families, and the community.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian said HPV contributes to 95 per cent of cervical cancer cases in Malaysia and is also a cause of other cancers, such as nasopharyngeal cancer, tonsil cancer, penile cancer and vaginal cancer.

He explained that the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) has already started this free HPV prevention initiative in Sarawak through the ‘Leaving No One Behind’ HPV Immunisation Programme.

“I have been informed that NCSM aims to help at least 50,000 Sarawakians get protection against HPV, regardless of their gender.

“I urge all Sarawakians to take this opportunity to receive free protection against HPV to safeguard themselves, their families, and the community.

“The more people are protected, the less this virus will spread, which will in turn reduce the burden on our hospitals,” he said during the launch of the Sarawak State Level HPV Immunisation Programme here, on Monday.

The Sarawak Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government explained that with protection against HPV, the incidence of cervical cancer can be reduced by up to 90 per cent.

The ‘Leaving No One Behind’ HPV Immunisation Programme targets Malaysian citizens, both males and females, aged 13 to 26, who have never received protection against HPV, with priority given to vulnerable groups, and the protection is free of charge.

During the programme, some 300 people received the HPV vaccine, with more than 3,000 vaccines brought to Bintulu for the implementation of the programme in that area.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, NCSM President, Dato’ Dr Saunthari Somasundaram, NCSM Managing Director, Associate Professor Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, Deputy Director of the Sarawak State Health Department, Dr Rohani Mat Bah and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews