Dr. Ros Suzanna Ahmad Bustamam, Head of Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Paul Lee, Project Director of ACTIVE 2.0.
World Headlines PH | KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 16, 2025 – A major regional initiative to elevate cervical cancer treatment has officially launched in Malaysia. The ACTIVE 2.0 project—a three-year program involving six Southeast Asian countries—is designed to strengthen healthcare systems through clinical training, infrastructure upgrades, and digital innovations. The ultimate goal: to expand access to high-quality, targeted cervical cancer care for patients and their families across the region.
Despite significant advances in radiation therapy, cervical cancer continues to pose a major health challenge in Southeast Asia. According to the World Health Organization, the region saw over 69,000 new cases and 38,000 deaths from the disease in 2022. ACTIVE 2.0 aims to close existing gaps by equipping hospitals with modern radiotherapy tools, enhancing specialist training, and improving patient recovery pathways.
“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. “This initiative will increase the number of local clinicians trained in advanced cervical cancer treatment, boost hospital capabilities, and support patients throughout their recovery. The goal is to bring hope to everyone dealing with cervical cancer.”
In Malaysia, ACTIVE 2.0 will partner with leading oncology treatment centers to establish four Centers of Excellence (CoE)—two in Peninsular Malaysia and two in East Malaysia. These centers will receive advanced radiotherapy training systems and infrastructure support tailored to the long-term needs of cervical cancer patients.
“Cervical cancer is still a major concern in Malaysia, especially among underserved communities,” said Dr. Ros Suzanna Ahmad Bustamam, Head of the Radiotherapy & Oncology Department at Hospital Kuala Lumpur. “While radiotherapy is already part of our national cancer care system, ACTIVE 2.0 enables us to further elevate local expertise in advanced treatment and extend access to more patients.”
The project is backed by key partners, including:
- DEG Impulse, part of Germany’s KfW Banking Group, which supports sustainable development financing in emerging markets.
- Elekta, a global leader in precision radiation therapy committed to improving cancer care through innovative, patient-centered technologies.
- FARO (Federation of Asian Organizations for Radiation Oncology), which promotes radiotherapy standards across Asia.
- ASSIST (Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation), the international NGO coordinating implementation and capacity-building.
By combining technology, training, and cross-border collaboration, ACTIVE 2.0 represents a significant step forward in the region’s fight against cervical cancer.
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Source: PR Newswire
