Curtin Malaysia champions women’s health awareness with Kampung Bidayuh outreach

Miri, Sarawak – 6 November 2024 – Women in Kampung Bidayuh Ulu Sungei Dalam, Taman Tunku, gained vital access to health screenings and education at a recent outreach programme spearheaded by Curtin University Malaysia’s Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences. In partnership with the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Miri branch, the event sought to empower the community with resources and knowledge to safeguard their well-being.

With a strong focus on critical women’s health issues, the programme addressed concerns about Human Papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer, and breast cancer through education and accessible health screenings. For many attendees, this was the first opportunity to undergo such screenings and gain practical insights into preventive health.

“This outreach is about making a lasting impact on women’s health in rural communities,” said Valerie Velina Nagreg, the programme coordinator. “By bringing HPV and breast cancer screenings to the heart of the community, we aim to break barriers to health access and foster a proactive approach to personal health.”

In collaboration with the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), the programme offered free HPV DNA screenings, a critical measure for early cervical cancer detection. Borneo Medical Centre (BMC) further contributed by providing subsidised mammograms, making breast cancer screening affordable and accessible for eligible women.

In addition to cancer screenings, Alpro Clinic Miri, Pathlab Miri, and Riges Enterprise  provided general health screenings, offering participants a more comprehensive understanding of their overall health status.

“Curtin Malaysia is committed to bridging healthcare gaps in underserved communities,” said Farahezza Hairon Nizar, a key organising member from the Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences. “Our goal is to support communities like Kampung Bidayuh by making essential health services available and cultivating health awareness that lasts well beyond today.”

Associate lecturer Nancy Ujan highlighted the programme’s significance, especially for low-income families who may otherwise struggle to access these services. “For many, these screenings are life-changing, offering peace of mind or early detection at no cost,” she remarked. “It’s a crucial step toward building a healthier community.”

The organisers expressed hope that this outreach programme will inspire continued health initiatives in Miri, setting a model for similar programmes throughout Sarawak. With the combined efforts of healthcare providers and community groups, Curtin Malaysia is committed to fostering a healthier, well-informed society, one community at a time.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Alpro Clinic health professional providing consultation to community members, promoting proactive health practices

Programme coordinator Valerie exchanging tokens of appreciation with DBNA Miri Branch Chairman Simon Ilus, with village chief Jimmy Nyahen Bado