HPV vaccination campaign brings hope and protection to schoolgirls in Subang

SUBANG JAYA: The BeTheOne: HPV Vaccine and Cancer Awareness event on Friday (June 21) saw a strong turnout of schoolgirls eager to receive their HPV vaccinations, supported by their parents and educators.

Fifteen-year-old Clara Didek Nyoheng was among them. Her mother, Alena Didek Nyoheng, had brought her to the event, organised by MCA, to receive the important vaccine.

“This is an important vaccine, and my elder daughter has taken it; now it is the younger sister’s turn. It is good that this campaign is being carried out,” said Alena, 48.

Similarly, Sheh Yen Lin arrived with her 13-year-old daughter, grateful for the opportunity to get the vaccination without the hefty cost.

“I had wanted to get my daughter vaccinated for a while, and this time, since the school is part of the campaign, she can take the vaccine,” Sheh said.

“I am thankful for the campaign, as the vaccine would have cost hundreds if done in a medical institution.”

The event was part of a larger initiative to protect 300 school students from cervical cancer.

Organised by the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) in collaboration with MCA’s Crisis Relief Squad, GoCare Malaysia, and Sungai Buloh MCA, the campaign aims to raise cancer prevention awareness and offer free HPV vaccinations to students at Help International School.

Datuk Low Seow Hwee, the chairman of Sungai Buloh MCA, highlighted the significance of the campaign.

“Cervical cancer has one of the highest cancer rates, but it can also be prevented through vaccination. Not all cancer can be prevented this way,” he said, emphasizing the importance of early vaccination.

According to NCSM, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer affecting women in Malaysia.

Low added that the Sungai Buloh branch plans to organise similar events in the area to continue raising awareness and providing vaccinations.

The BeTheOne: HPV Vaccine and Cancer Awareness Campaign was officially launched on May 10 by MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

Since then, 20 campaigns have been held in various schools and colleges across seven states: Penang, Perak, Selangor, Wilayah Persekutuan, Johor, Pahang, and Sabah.

These campaigns have benefitted almost 7,000 students so far, with eight more campaigns scheduled for the rest of the year. Future campaigns will also include screenings for liver, prostate, breast, and lung cancers, as well as the Social Security Organisation health screening programme and more.