Kota Kinabalu: The Permai Polyclinics Group (PPG) is implementing a free immunisation programme for protection against the human papillomavirus (HPV) statewide. 

The programme targets adolescent girls and women aged 13 to 20, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds and those who have never been immunised. 

Women aged between 21 and 45 years can also receive this protection, subject to certain conditions.

Cervical cancer is by far the most common HPV-related disease, with about 99.7 per cent of cases caused by persistent genital high-risk HPV infection. 

The goal of the HPV protection programme is to eliminate cervical cancer, which is the third most common cancer among women in Malaysia. 

For this, PPG, in partnership with the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM), is collaborating with Yayasan Andante, Hospital Universiti Malaysia Sabah (HUMS), with support of the Sabah Health Department (JKNS), to implement this programme in the State. 

PPG, which has a network of 36 clinics throughout Sabah, plays a significant role in the success of this programme as part of its corporate social responsibility. 

This partnership will ensure the protection programme can reach a wider community and be accepted by the target groups.

The immunisation services are available at Permai Polyclinics Jalan Pantai (contact: 088-232 100 or 017-862 1720), Bandaran Berjaya (088-246 898), Taman Suria (088-701 700), Asia City (088-484 444), Beverly Hills (010-983 8283), Keningau (087-312 972), Lok Kawi (088-751 100), Pitas (016-236 2186), Kudat (010-282 22186), Kota Marudu (088-661 213), Semporna (089- 784 100), Fajar Tawau (089-763 030), and Tawau (089- 750 885). 

For further information, contact 088-232100 or 017-8621720, Datuk Dr James Jeremiah (019-850 8855) or Datuk Margaret Lim (019-812 8390).