KUALA TERENGGANU – The Terengganu government has been urged to intensify programmes to raise awareness about the importance of screening tests and prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the community.
Ladang assemblyman Zuraida Md Noor said a report by Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital revealed a higher incidence of STDs such as gonorrhoea among young men aged between 18 and 24 compared to women.
“I am thankful to the Terengganu Health Department for constantly conducting campaign activities on STDs to raise awareness across various segments of society.
“However, one of the constraints faced by the health department is that children under the age of 18 cannot undergo screening without the consent of their guardians or parents,” she said during the Terengganu Legislative Assembly debate session in Wisma Darul Iman, here, today.
Zuraida also called on the state government to join forces with hospitals with breast cancer screening devices to conduct mobile mammogram tests for women in rural areas who do not get the chance to undergo the test due to issues such as transportation and travel costs.
“Most medical centres offering mammogram services are located in urban areas, making it difficult for rural women to undergo examinations, thereby increasing the risk of breast cancer among Terengganu people,” she added. – November 29, 2023