A major regional initiative aimed at improving cervical cancer care and patient recovery has officially launched in Malaysia. Known as Project ACTIVE 2.0, the three-year program brings together expertise from six Southeast Asian countries to enhance treatment standards, expand access to advanced care, and strengthen support for patients and their families.
Cervical cancer remains a pressing health challenge across the region. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Southeast Asia recorded more than 69,000 new cases and 38,000 deaths from cervical cancer in 2022. While modern radiotherapy and targeted treatments have significantly improved survival outcomes, many patients still face gaps in access to advanced technology and trained specialists.
Project ACTIVE 2.0 seeks to close these gaps by investing in clinical training, infrastructure upgrades, and digital innovations. The initiative will work with leading oncology centers across Peninsular and East Malaysia to create a network of four Centers of Excellence (CoEs) dedicated to cervical cancer treatment. These CoEs will be equipped with state-of-the-art radiotherapy tools and resources to better support patients throughout their treatment and recovery.
“ACTIVE 2.0 is an important step toward improving access to advanced cancer care across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia,” said Paul Lee, Project Director of ACTIVE 2.0. “Through this project, Malaysia will boost the number of clinicians trained in advanced cervical cancer treatment, strengthen hospital capabilities, and better support patients on their recovery journey. The aim is to bring hope to everyone affected by cervical cancer.”
Locally, the initiative is expected to make a significant impact. Dr. Ros Suzanna Ahmad Bustamam, Head of the Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology at Hospital Kuala Lumpur, highlighted the importance of this collaboration:
“Cervical cancer remains a significant health concern in Malaysia, particularly for women in underserved communities,” she said. “While radiotherapy is already part of cancer care here, ACTIVE 2.0 allows us to further strengthen local expertise in advanced treatment and contribute to Malaysia’s healthcare development. Through this collaboration, we aim to enhance treatment quality and broaden access to life-saving care.”
With its focus on training, infrastructure, and innovation, Project ACTIVE 2.0 is poised to redefine cervical cancer care in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia—offering patients not just treatment, but renewed hope and improved quality of life.
