Curtin’s women’s outreach programme brings health screening, education to Miri villagers

MIRI (Nov 8): Women in Kampung Bidayuh, Ulu Sungai Dalam, Taman Tunku gained vital access to health screenings and education during 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, the event sought to empower the community with resources and knowledge to safeguard their well-being.

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 insight into preventive health.

“This outreach is about making a lasting impact on women’s health in rural communities,” programme coordinator Valerie Velina Nagreg said in a press release.

“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 also 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, 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.

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

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 said.

Organisers hope the outreach programme will inspire continued health initiatives here, setting a model for similar programmes throughout Sarawak.