Global recognition for Malaysian NGO fighting cervical cancer

ROSE Foundation, an Asian integrated clinical care team, has become the first in the region to win a global award through the Univants of Healthcare Excellence programme. The awards were established in 2018 to recognize organizations that achieve outstanding outcomes for patients, communities, healthcare professionals, and the environment.

Prof Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Chairman of the Rose Foundation, stated that this home-grown non-governmental organization (NGO) has been recognized alongside over 60 other integrated clinical care teams worldwide for their high-impact achievements. These achievements include innovative problem-solving and the transformation of healthcare delivery.

Prof Adeeba further emphasized that the award has motivated the foundation to expand the use of high-impact technology in empowering vulnerable under-screened women in the fight against cervical cancer.

In Malaysia, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women under the age of 45. Therefore, comprehensive screening is crucial in the overall goal of eliminating cervical cancer, as it allows for early diagnosis and timely treatment, significantly increasing the chances of a cure.

Prof Dr Woo Yin Ling, a trustee of the foundation, explained that their Rose program incorporates self-sampling for HPV, which is more accurate than the conventional pap smear. This simple method helps remove barriers to cervical screening.

Additionally, the program has integrated mobile devices with a secure digital ehealth platform for registration and data collection, allowing for better communication and linkage to care. This integration helps women navigate through a complex healthcare system more smoothly.

Through their efforts, the Rose Foundation has made significant progress in enhancing healthcare access and improving cervical cancer outcomes for many women. Since its establishment in 2019, the foundation has successfully screened 23,000 women, with a 92% linkage-to-care rate for those found positive for HPV. Furthermore, nearly 200 women have received treatment for pre-cancer and early cancer.