KPWKM Committed To Raising HPV Screening Awareness Among Orang Asli - Noraini

TANJONG MALIM, July 14 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) is committed to increasing awareness among Orang Asli women about the importance of undergoing human papillomavirus (HPV) screening, to help prevent the risk of cervical cancer.

Its Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said the initiative aims to ensure that high-risk groups are not left behind in accessing early treatment and accurate health information.

She said that KPWKM, through collaborations with the National Welfare Foundation (YKN) and the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), had already undertaken efforts on the ground, but emphasised that there remains a significant need to reach remote and hard-to-access areas.

“Outreach like this is crucial, especially when it comes to women’s health and cervical cancer prevention. Many are still unaware of HPV screening, particularly those in rural areas and Orang Asli communities.

“We believe that, through a grassroots approach, more women can be reached and encouraged to undergo free screenings,” she said, when met at the ‘Sentuhan Ilmu dan Khidmat Pakar’, a Pos Tenau Technical and Community’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, held at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Pos Tenau near Ulu Slim, here, today.

The three-day programme, organised by Sultan Azlan Shah Polytechnic (PSAS), starting July 12, was in collaboration with the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education (JPPKK), along with several government agencies and private companies.

Noraini said that, in addition to raising awareness about the dangers of HPV, the programme also serves to bridge healthcare and educational gaps between urban and rural areas, in line with the government’s MADANI agenda.

“Apart from health awareness, KPWKM also places emphasis on education, as many of the Orang Asli women we met, shared that they tend to marry soon after finishing school, unaware that lifelong learning opportunities are available through community colleges.

“Likewise, the One-Stop Social Support Centre (PSSS) initiative plays an important role in delivering social support services to the community, as it is mobile and can reach those in need wherever they are.

Commenting further on the programme, she expressed appreciation for PSAS’ initiative in promoting grassroots education and enhancing community well-being.

“Various activities are being carried out, including knowledge-sharing sessions on electrical and mechanical engineering technology, basic facility maintenance, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities and health screenings, as well as family literacy and basic makeup programmes.

“This initiative not only offers students hands-on experience in engaging with the community but also provides a platform for lecturers to contribute their technical expertise to benefit rural populations,” she said.

-- BERNAMA