“First, do things with sincerity, and second, serve others. You should also not expect from others what you do not expect from yourself. Always believe in yourselves even if no one believes in you. You don’t need validation from anybody to achieve great things.”
- Dato’ Mohd Farid Ariffin -
26 Years of Compassionate Cancer Support
Nearly a quarter-century ago, Majlis Kanser Nasional (MAKNA) began as one man’s fight against a terminal illness affecting his family. Since then, MAKNA has evolved into an internationally-affiliated cancer-fighting organisation, surpassing the expectation of its founder, former Deputy Health Minister, Dato’ Mohd Farid Ariffin.
MAKNA's core mission is to assist financially challenged cancer patients with treatment and offer emotional and social support. From its humble beginnings, it has grown into a nationwide movement, involving volunteers, a cancer research centre, and a significant record of assistance to tens of thousands of Malaysians and their families.
Cancer Awareness Exhibition conducted by MAKNA.
MAKNA Home Visit in 2020.
Providing Care and Support One Cancer Patient at a Time
Since 1994, MAKNA has provided financial aid to nearly 60,000 cancer patients and their families through its Bursary Assistance Programme. Under this programme, cancer patients in lower income groups undergoing treatment in government hospitals can obtain monetary assistance. It also offers short-term accommodation through “Halfway Houses'' for those unable to afford travel costs or are physically unfit to travel between hospital and home.
In 2005, MAKNA also launched the MAKNA Young Cancer Survivor Scholarship to lighten the financial load for families and enhance patients’ lives by offering the chance to pursue higher education.
MAKNA Bursary (Financial Assistance) Department
Charting New Frontiers in Cancer Research and Innovation
The founding of the MAKNA Cancer Research Award in 2001 aimed to promote and acknowledge local scientists who conduct research that benefit cancer patients and uncover potential cures for the disease. The award serves as a platform for local researchers to conduct studies aimed at easing the pain and suffering of cancer patients on both a local and global scale.
The Battle Against Cancer Takes Innovation and an Army of Volunteers
To comprehensively combat cancer, MAKNA collaborated with Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) to establish a cancer institute, including an oncology ward, radiotherapy services, and a stem cell transplant ward. Since 1999, the cancer centre has served over 19,000 patients.
MAKNA also established a stem cell donor registry to assist patients with diseases like leukaemia and thalassemia. MAKNA's army of volunteers, including cancer survivors, conduct various outreach programs, emphasising the importance of early detection. These programs include home and hospital visits and initiatives like a 40-foot trailer equipped with a mammogram machine to provide screenings in underprivileged areas.
MAKNA Digital Mobile Mammogram Unit Team
MAKNA’s Reach Goes Beyond Borders
Internationally, MAKNA established an office in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2009 to extend its cancer-fighting mission abroad. In recognition of its humanitarian work, MAKNA became a member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) with Special Consultative Status in 2018.
MAKNA received several awards, including Anugerah Inovasi Perdana Menteri 2014, Golden Globe Tigers NGO Leadership Award 2018, Best AIESEC Exchange Participant 2009, Ibn Khaldun Merit Award for Social Transformation 2019, and the BrandLaureate Award for Social Responsibility 2019. The Registrar of Societies (ROS) recognized MAKNA as one of the top three Best Practices and Governance Organizations in 2019.
With around 180 dedicated staff and a legion of volunteers, MAKNA tirelessly works to advance the prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer. Their grants, recognitions, and awards serve as testaments to their commitment to ultimately reduce mortality from this challenging disease.
MAKNA Cancer Research Award 2019
Disclaimer:
The information in this award recipient's profile is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the time the award was presented. Any subsequent changes, updates, or developments in the individual's life or achievements may not be reflected in this profile.