The Asia-Pacific AIDS & Co-Infections Conference (APACC) 2024 will be held in Hong Kong as a hybrid conference on 27-29 June 2024. During Parallel Session 5: Women's Health - HPV, Dr. Woo Yin Ling from University of Malaya / University Malaya Medical Centre will deliver a presentation titled "Screening HPV - Rose Project".Dr. Woo Yin Ling introduced the overview of the Rose Project to Infectious Diseases Frontier on the eve of the conference.
Program ROSE is an innovative cervical screening that enables and empowers women to perform their own cervical screening using our unique and signature human papillomavirus (HPV) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) self-sampling test. The program was designed in such a way that offers women the dignified choice of using a self-swab which is simple, painless, and effective. HPV PCR test, the gold standard for primary cervical screening is performed on the processed swabs (which can remain at room temperature for up to 2 weeks before processing) and prompt delivery of results via a digital health platform using mobile technology within 3 weeks. Personalized care for those who are screened positive and linkage to care for treatment are offered to women as part of Program ROSE.
While there are many types of cervical screening tests, the flocked swab used in Program ROSE HPV PCR test provides for higher accuracy and reliability of the results. But beyond just a test, Program ROSE offers a holistic screening program which consists of 5 pillars.
5 Pillars Approach
A pioneer and revolutionary HPV PCR self-sampling cervical cancer screening methodology with 5 pillars inclusive of education & advocacy to provide an integrated screening service with linkage to care.
To date, Program ROSE has screened more than 29,000 of the underserved population in Malaysia with an overall 88% of women identified as needing follow-up being seen at a tertiary centre. This is a strong testament of a successful community-based program facilitated by digital technology.
For more exciting content, please stay tuned to the APACC conference and Infectious Diseases Frontier’s coverage.
