Teal Asia and ROSE Foundation join forces to celebrate the inaugural WHO World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day in Malaysia. This event united advocates, healthcare professionals, and corporate partners to promote cervical cancer awareness and elimination efforts.
World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day happens on November 17th, proclaimed by WHO, symbolizes a global commitment to eradicate cervical cancer. The day began with the “Driving Cervical Cancer Elimination” campaign, launched by Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative. It included a discussion on survivor experiences and community solutions.
The celebration concluded with the Teal Illumination of Merdeka 118 and Equatorial Plaza, showcasing global solidarity for a future free of cervical cancer.
Founded by Selina Yeop Jr., Teal Asia is Malaysia’s first peer-to-peer cervical cancer support movement, offering community and emotional support to survivors, caregivers, and allies. “I would like to offer my heartfelt gratitude to GWM Malaysia for having the trust in me to push the agenda of TEAL Asia as the voice of 600 million South East Asian people with the sponsorship that they have provided and to PNB for lighting up Merdeka 118, making the launch of Teal Asia a moment that will be seen across the globe as a powerful symbol of Malaysian solidarity.”, said Selina Yeop Jr.
ROSE Foundation is a non-profit established in 2019 aimed at eliminating cervical cancer in Malaysia by providing accessible cervical screening, particularly for underprivileged populations. The foundation has screened over 39,000 women and provided follow-up care for over 2,000 HPV-positive cases, aligning with WHO’s goals for cervical cancer elimination and ensuring that no woman is left behind.
Professor Dr. Woo Yin Ling, Founding Trustee of ROSE Foundation said, “Today is the firstever Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, and a reminder that ending cervical cancer is possible. By working together with communities, partners and the health system, we can make sure women are screened, followed up and cared for. With simple tools like HPV self-sampling, cervical cancer can be prevented, giving every woman the protection she deserves. Malaysia can lead the way, and together, we can make cervical cancer a thing of the past.”
Tonight, Merdeka 118 lit up in teal symbolizes our collective spirit, highlighting the belief that every woman deserves to live free from preventable diseases. Thank you for joining us in this movement,” expressed Dato’ Professor Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Chair of ROSE Foundation.
ROSE Foundation appreciates Selina and Teal Asia for their commitment to this initiative. Selina’s efforts in uniting partners and coordinating the illumination of Malaysia’s landmarks in teal have set a strong precedent for cervical cancer advocacy in the region.
Other than the main sponsor, Great Wall Motors (GWM) Malaysia, partners and sponsors supporting the week-long initiative include Watsons Malaysia, Malaysia Aviation Group, Gravity Ventures Korea, Biorism, Neu Clinic, Beyonary, Mantra Communication, Joy Division Padel, EQ Hotel and Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.