Kuala lumpur: The National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) is targeting 1,500 individuals, particularly women from low-income (B40) households and members of the Orang Asli community, through the SDG Community Health Observation Centre Network (MASCHON) initiative, launched today. NCSM managing director Prof Dr M Murallitharan highlighted the initiative’s focus on seven parliamentary constituencies, including Tambun, Batu Gajah, Alor Gajah, Karak, and Iskandar Puteri.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Murallitharan emphasized that MASCHON aims to empower communities with health knowledge and data, ensuring that women and the Orang Asli community not only receive treatment but also engage actively in monitoring and improving their own health. The initiative promotes inclusive participation in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing local health issues such as sexual and reproductive health, malnutrition, and non-communicable diseases management.
Dr Murallitharan stated this during his speech at the launch event of the Malaysian SDG Community Health Observation Centre Network at Dewan NCMS-CARITAS. The event was also attended by Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, political secretary to the Finance Minister.
The MASCHON initiative will focus on three key areas: nutrition and healthy eating, sexual and reproductive health rights, and the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Dr Murallitharan noted the ongoing efforts at the site, including last year’s successful provision of free HPV vaccinations to over 20,000 women across Perak, at an estimated cost of RM7 million.
This year’s efforts continue, involving collaborations with partners across Perak to conduct cancer and health screenings through mobile clinics and community activities in every district. The National Cancer Registry Report 2017-2021 revealed a concerning trend in Perak, with 65.3 per cent of cancer cases detected at late stages, an increase from 63.7 per cent in the previous five-year period. Perak ranks among the top three states with the highest incidence of several cancers, including breast and lung cancer, and the economic loss to the state due to cancer is estimated at RM6.94 million annually.