Active 2.0 Launches in Malaysia to Boost Cervical Cancer Treatment

16 July 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: A regional initiative to improve cervical cancer care has been launched in Malaysia. Involving six countries across Southeast Asia, Project ACTIVE 2.0 aims to enhance treatment and support patient recovery throughout the region. This three-year programme will focus on strengthening healthcare systems through clinical training, infrastructure upgrades, and digital innovations, with the goal of increasing access to high-quality, targeted cervical cancer care for patients and their families.

Cervical cancer remains a significant health challenge in Southeast Asia, with over 69,000 new cases and 38,000 deaths recorded in 2022, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). While advancements in radiation treatment have improved outcomes, gaps in access to advanced therapies and trained specialists still exist. ACTIVE 2.0 seeks to address these issues by expanding medical training, upgrading infrastructure, and introducing patient-centred innovations in cancer care.

"ACTIVE 2.0 represents an important step towards improving access to advanced cancer treatments across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia," said Paul Lee, Project Director of ACTIVE 2.0.

"Through this initiative, Malaysia will increase the number of clinicians skilled in advanced cervical cancer treatment, strengthen local hospital capabilities, and better support patients throughout their recovery. Ultimately, our aim is to bring hope to everyone affected by cervical cancer."

The project will collaborate with leading oncology centres in Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia to establish a network of four Centres of Excellence (CoE) for cervical cancer treatment. These centres will receive advanced radiotherapy training equipment and infrastructure support to promote long-term patient recovery.

Dr Ros Suzanna Ahmad Bustamam, Head of the Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology at Hospital Kuala Lumpur, shared, "Cervical cancer remains a major health concern in Malaysia, especially among women in underserved communities.

While radiotherapy is already part of cancer care here, ACTIVE 2.0 will enable us to further develop local expertise in highly advanced treatments and contribute to Malaysia’s healthcare development. Through this collaboration, we aim to improve treatment quality and expand access to advanced cancer care across the country."

DEG Impulse, part of the KfW Banking Group, finances investments by private companies in developing and transition countries. As one of Europe's leading development finance institutions, it promotes private sector growth to foster sustainable economic development and improved living conditions.