Phase 6 of Etiqa’s Free Cervical Screening Programme with ROSE Foundation was launched today by Dato Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib, the Deputy Minister of Health Malaysia. This phase shows Etiqa’s continued support for eliminating cervical cancer in Malaysia by donating RM1.2 million for free cervical screenings for underserved communities.
The screenings will use ROSE Foundation’s Program R.O.S.E (Removing Obstacles to cervical ScrEening), which follows the World Health Organization’s strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. Since the partnership started in 2019, they have helped over 28,700 women, mainly from underprivileged B40 communities in Malaysia. The programme has found 1,488 women with HPV infection, with 88% referred 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 reached underserved populations, including the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) community. By providing accessible screenings for PWD participants and other vulnerable groups, the initiative reinforced a commitment to equitable healthcare access and early detection.
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 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.
For more information about the Etiqa’s Free Cervical Screening Programme with ROSE Foundation, please visit www.programrose.com or email enquiry@programrose.org.