MUKAH, 17 August 2024 – The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), UNIMAS, in collaboration with their Indonesian counterpart, Institut Teknologi Kesehatan (ITEKES) Muhammadiyah from Pontianak, West Kalimantan, successfully conducted a university social responsibility programme in Mukah, Sarawak. The ITEKES Muhammadiyah nine person delegation was headed by its rector, Bapak Haryanto.
The programme, titled “From the University to the Community: A Women’s Health Awareness,” aimed to engage with the community in a focused manner, leveraging available expertise and resources to prevent cervical cancer.
This initiative sought to bring academic and medical knowledge directly to the community, with the goal of raising awareness and understanding in the fight against cervical cancer, a significant health concern for women in Sarawak.
“Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer affecting women in Malaysia, with Sarawak reporting the highest incidence in the country,” emphasised Professor Dr. Asri Said, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), during his opening speech on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor.
The incidence of cervical cancer in Sarawak is 12.1 per 100,000 population, surpassing the national rate of 10.2 per 100,000.
Bapak Haryanto, in his turn giving the opening remarks, mentioned that the trends of cervical and breast cancer in West Kalimantan were similar to those highlighted by Prof. Dr. Asri. He further emphasised other challenges, including limited access to screening and care.
During the event, cervical cancer screening was led by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology under the government-funded SUARA programme. SUARA, which stands for the Sarawak Urban and Rural Action for Cervical Cancer Prevention, is funded by the Premier’s Office and the Ministry of Finance, Malaysia. The programme aims to carry out the noble work of preventing cervical cancers throughout Sarawak, with key contributions from Professor Dr. Awi Idi and Dr. Abigail Rembui Jerip.
The cervical cancer screening employed the latest technology—the HPV DNA-based test—which is the first-choice screening method recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), compared to the commonly used traditional Pap smear, a cytology, or a cell-based test. HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus, a group of viruses where some strains are known to cause cervical cancer. The HPV DNA test is more effective, efficient, and less prone to quality issues.
Prof. Dr. Asri further stressed the importance of women’s health in the context of overall societal well-being, aptly quoting, “When a woman is healthy, society is healthy. But when a woman suffers, society suffers as well.”
The breast cancer screening was supported by the Sarawak Breast Cancer Support Group (SBCSG), represented by their president, Datin Juriah Sulehan, and Datu Dr. Zulkifli Jantan, the adviser and resident medical officer. Datu Dr. Zulkifli Jantan is the former Director of the Sarawak Health Department.
Acting Resident Officer, Encik Peleadzman Ahip, representing the local YB, Encik Royston, echoed the points raised by Prof. Dr. Asri in his opening remarks. He stressed the importance of women’s health, noting their contribution to the community’s well-being through economic participation. Encik Peleadzman later officiated the event.
In addition to the women-focused health events, several activities were organised for the youth, including a mental health talk by psychiatrist Dr. Ting Chuong Hock, “Jom Masuk UNIMAS,” a CPR demonstration, STEM activities, and Cultural Odyssey. During the Cultural Odyssey, our Indonesian counterparts from ITEKES Muhammadiyah delivered an engaging talk on Indonesian culture to approximately 100 students, primarily from SMK Three Rivers, SMK St. Patrick, and SMK Mukah. It is hoped that by exposing these young people to different cultures, they will develop a greater appreciation for the rich diversity of Southeast Asia and broaden their worldview in a positive and meaningful way.
A total of 30 women participated in the program, with 18 proceeding with the HPV DNA screening, and two clients undergoing colposcopy on the spot. For the breast cancer screening, 20 clients were seen, with one referred for further investigation.
The success of the University Social Responsibility Programme in Mukah was made possible through the keen collaboration of various stakeholders, including the Mukah District Office, the Mukah Divisional Health Office, SK Tellian, and the UNIMAS Sustainability Centre. As we move forward, continued partnerships and community-focused efforts will be essential in our ongoing pursuit of a healthier and more informed society.
