Prof. Dr. Woo Yin Ling, a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at University Malaya, has received the prestigious Rachel Pearline Award for 2023 in recognition of her global contributions to cancer research and treatment in low- and middle-income nations.
Dr. Woo Yin Ling Won 2023 Rachel Pearline Award
Global Contribution To Cancer Research
Image via Program ROSE & mStar
Program ROSE (Removing Obstacles to Cervical Screening), an innovative cervical screening programme incorporating human papillomavirus (HPV) sampling, was conceptualized and implemented by the 50-year-old doctor.
Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Ismail, who was serving as the deputy prime minister and minister of woman, family, and community development at the time, introduced the programme in January 2019.
The second most common cancer among Malaysian women under 44 is cervical cancer. The ROSE Foundation wants to make Malaysia one of the first nations in the region to be free of it.
In Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak, the programme has screened more than 23,000 women since 2019, the majority of whom are from underprivileged and underserved communities.
First Southeast Asian To Win The Award
Dr. Woo Yin Ling is the first Southeast Asian to win this award. Dr. Woo Yin Ling said in a statement following the award that it was a great honour for Malaysia and that the recognition is proof that Malaysians can accomplish more when they collaborate.
It is a great honour for Malaysia. This recognition is a testament that Malaysians can achieve so much if we work together. Program ROSE is the culmination of a huge collaborative effort from many Malaysians who believe in the vision of a cervical cancer-free Malaysia.
Professor Dr. Woo Yin Ling, Obstetrics and Gynaecology In University Malaya
Have you heard about the Malaysian woman scientist that was rewarded for her research on the MonkeyPox disease? Do read RM30,000 For Monkeypox Research Goes To Dr Mariatulqabtiah to know more about her!
About The Rachel Pearline Award
Image via SAYS
The Rachel Pearline Award is named in honour of American oncology fellow Dr. Rachel Pearline. In November 2015, she passed away from gastric cancer at the age of 38.
The Steering Committee of the Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research (ASGCR) invites nominations for the award each year in her honour, and it selects one outstanding professional who exemplifies excellence and virtue in cancer research, practise, and/or training in a low- and middle-income country.
The National Cancer Institute Center for Global Health’s premier conference is the ASGCR. It brings together experts in the field of global oncology to talk about current developments in the prevention and treatment of cancer worldwide as well as to plan joint initiatives to advance the discipline.
