Siaran Akhbar

Deputy Minister of Health Malaysia Launches Phase 6 of Etiqa’s Nationwide Free Cervical Screening Initiative with ROSE Foundation

Malaysia

Damansara, Kuala Lumpur – Phase 6 of Etiqa’s Free Cervical Screening Programme with ROSE Foundation was officially launched today by Yang Berhormat Dato Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib, Deputy Minister of Health Malaysia. Under this phase, Etiqa is reaffirming its commitment to supporting cervical cancer elimination efforts in Malaysia, by contributing RM1.2 million to provide free cervical screening for underserved and underprivileged communities.

The screenings will utilise ROSE Foundation’s internationally recognised Program R.O.S.E (Removing Obstacles to cervical ScrEening) methodology, which aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global strategy for cervical cancer elimination. Since the partnership between Etiqa and ROSE Foundation began in 2019, it has made significant strides in expanding access to cervical cancer screening, reaching more than 28,700 women, primarily from the underprivileged B40 communities across Malaysia. The initiative has successfully identified 1,488 women with HPV infection, with 88% successfully linked to government hospitals and clinics for follow-up care.

Yang Berhormat Dato Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib, Deputy Minister of Health Malaysia officiated the event at PAUM Clubhouse, University Malaya, alongside Yang Berusaha Madam Leong Su Yern, Chief Executive Officer of Etiqa Life Insurance Berhad and Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Professor Dr. Adeeba binti Kamarulzaman, Chair of ROSE Foundation.

A key highlight of the event was the Program ROSE cervical screening initiative, which specifically reached underserved populations, including members of the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) community. By ensuring accessible screenings for PWD participants alongside other vulnerable groups, the initiative strongly reinforced a shared commitment to equitable healthcare access, early detection, and inclusive health awareness.

Yang Berhormat Dato Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib, Deputy Minister of Health Malaysia said, “The Ministry of Health Malaysia remains committed to achieving the goals of the Action Plan Towards the Elimination of Cervical Cancer 2021–2030. Through strong efforts in Maybank Ageas Holdings Bhd (197701002387) Dataran Maybank, No.1 Jalan Maarof, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia T +603 2297 3800 | F +603 2297 3800 | E info@etiqa.com.my prevention, screening, diagnosis, and follow-up care, we are working to protect the health of every woman. Our partnership with the ROSE Foundation, strengthened through the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2025, and programmes such as the Etiqa Free Cervical Screening Programme show how government, private organisations, and community partners can work together to make cervical screening more accessible, especially for women who face challenges in getting healthcare.”

“At Etiqa, we believe every woman deserves access to preventive healthcare and the opportunity to make informed decisions about her health. Through Phase 6 of our Free Cervical Screening Programme with the ROSE Foundation, we remain committed to removing the financial barriers that prevent underserved women from accessing potentially life-saving cervical cancer screening, empowering them to take charge of their health.

Beyond early detection, we are committed to ensuring that financially vulnerable women receive the support they need. Detecting cervical cancer early not only leads to better health outcomes but also helps reduce the emotional and financial strain that late-stage illness can place on individuals and their families. Through this programme, Etiqa continues to invest in healthier communities and fulfils our purpose of Making the World a Better Place by helping people protect what matters most,” said Leong Su Yern, CEO of Etiqa Life Insurance Berhad.

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Professor Dr. Adeeba binti Kamarulzaman, Chair of ROSE Foundation said, “As we embark on Phase 6, we are also expanding our efforts to reach underserved communities, including women with disabilities, reaffirming our commitment to making cervical screening accessible to every woman who needs it.”

Together, Etiqa and ROSE Foundation continue advancing cervical screening access and cervical cancer elimination efforts in Malaysia.

Untuk maklumat lanjut tentang Program Pemeriksaan Serviks Percuma Etiqa dengan Yayasan ROSE, sila layari www.programrose.com atau e-mel enquiry@programrose.org.