Vale has partnered with Malaysia’s National Cancer Council (MAKNA) to bring mobile cancer screening services to Manjung, providing essential health services and raising awareness on early detection. This initiative reflects Vale’s commitment to community development and MAKNA’s ongoing efforts to combat cancer.
2 September 2024 – Vale, a global leader in the mining industry, has partnered with the National Cancer Council of Malaysia (MAKNA) to extend the council’s mobile cancer screening program to the Manjung district. This collaboration underscores MAKNA’s long-standing mission to combat cancer through early detection and education, an effort the organization has been dedicated to since its founding.
The mobile screening initiative, equipped with advanced facilities, brought essential health services directly to the communities of Manjung, emphasizing the critical role of early cancer detection. Building on MAKNA’s extensive experience in reaching underserved populations, the program has successfully conducted over 80,000 screenings since its inception in 2011.
From August 26th to 29th, a mobile screening unit was stationed at Klinik Desa Ayer Tawar, offering various cancer screening services to the public. Walk-in services included clinical breast exams and immunochemical fecal occult blood tests, while mammograms and breast ultrasounds were available by appointment. Additionally, the Manjung District Health Office provided free HPV DNA and pap smear screenings.
Staffed by qualified medical professionals, the mobile unit not only facilitated screenings but also educated the public on cancer prevention and detection. To further enhance awareness, a mobile exhibition featuring Malaysia’s first cancer awareness module, using virtual reality and projection mapping technology, offered an interactive educational experience.
Leonardo Paiva, Vale’s Country Manager in Malaysia, expressed the company’s pride in partnering with MAKNA, stating, “We are honored to support this strategic program that promotes health and wellbeing in Manjung. By removing barriers to early detection, we empower communities to make informed health decisions.”
Pn. Farahida Mohd Farid, General Manager of MAKNA, also praised the initiative, saying, “This partnership with Vale enables us to reach more individuals, particularly those with limited access to healthcare. We encourage other organizations to join us in raising awareness and promoting early detection, which is crucial in the fight against cancer.”
This partnership marks another milestone in Vale’s commitment to community development in Manjung. Over the past decade, Vale has invested more than RM70 million in social initiatives within the district. Paiva concluded by highlighting the broader impact, “Our social investments aim to create lasting positive change, supporting our transformation into a more sustainable mining company.”
