Malaysia joins regional drive to boost cervical cancer care
The project, which spans six countries, aims to improve treatment strategies and provide long-term support to patients battling cervical cancer.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)'s Institut Perubatan dan Pergigian Termaju (IPPT) is the sole institution under the Higher Education Ministry selected to participate in the Active 2.0 programme. As part of this ambitious initiative, the university will intensify its focus on research, training and innovation.
Under Active 2.0, IPPT will collaborate with two oncology specialists and a medical physicist. The institute will also leverage its advanced infrastructure to support brachytherapy, a specialised form of radiation therapy used in cervical cancer treatment.
IPPT lead coordinator, Dr Jasmin Jalil, highlighted the university's significant role in this pan-Asian effort. IPPT is not the only Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE)-affiliated institution involved, but also one of 17 designated centres of excellence in Southeast Asia offering advanced training in brachytherapy for cervical cancer.
Active 2.0 is a three-year project focused on strengthening healthcare systems across the region through clinical training, infrastructure enhancement and digital innovation. Its ultimate goal is to broaden access to high-quality, specialised care for cervical cancer patients and their families.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge in Southeast Asia, with over 69,000 new cases and 38,000 deaths recorded in 2022.
Despite advances in radiation therapy, access to modern treatments and skilled professionals continues to pose a challenge.
"Active 2.0 represents a significant step forward in improving access to advanced care across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia," said project director Paul Lee.
"Through this initiative, Malaysia will be able to increase the number of trained clinical experts in advanced cervical cancer treatment, strengthen the capacity of local hospitals, and improve patient support during the recovery process," he added.
The initiative will also involve collaboration with key oncology treatment centres across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, to establish a network of four centres of excellence (CoE) for cervical cancer treatment.
These centres will receive state-of-the-art radiotherapy training equipment and undergo infrastructure upgrades as part of the project, supporting sustained patient care and recovery.
"The goal is to offer hope to all those affected by cervical cancer," said Lee.
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