Latest news with #BuAI
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
LPPKN to seek additional funding as demand for fertility treatment exceeds target
KOTA BHARU: The National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) has received applications from over 1,700 couples for the Fertility Treatment Aid and Infertility Advocacy (BuAI) initiative, since its launch in February this year, exceeding the initial target of 1,300 couples. Its chairperson, Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim, said in the light of this development, LPPKN plans to seek an additional allocation from the government to meet the growing demand. 'We introduced this programme to help couples facing fertility issues by providing free assistance through a government subsidy of RM2,000, for two cycles of intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment. As we know, the cost of fertility treatment can be extremely high, sometimes exceeding RM50,000. 'The response so far has exceeded our target, so we will raise this matter with the ministry to request additional funds in the future,' she told reporters after officiating the state-level 2025 Mother's Day celebration here, today. At the event, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) scientist Prof Dr Wan Iryani Wan Ismail, who has garnered more than 50 accolades throughout her career, was named the state's Anugerah Inspirasi Ibu recipient. Rohani said that, so far, several couples have successfully conceived and are expecting their firstborn by the end of this year. She advised married couples under the age of 35, who have yet to conceive, not to give up, as they are eligible to receive treatment at four LPPKN Subfertility Clinics and the LPPKN Fertility Clinic (Full Paying Patient), located in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Sarawak and Penang. Meanwhile, Rohani said the 2024 Mother's Day survey revealed that nine out of ten mothers feel their responsibilities today are far more challenging, compared with the past, due to several factors, such as the cost of living, work demands, financial struggles, and lack of personal time. 'Various initiatives are being implemented by the government, under the National Women's Policy 2025-2030, and through programmes under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, including Kasih Ibu Tunggal, skills incubator for single mothers, MamaCare, and Wanita Bangkit. 'LPPKN also offers grants to parties interested in conducting research on the challenges faced by young mothers, so that we can better address their needs,' she said.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
LPPKN to seek more funds as fertility treatment demand rises
KOTA BHARU: The National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) has received applications from over 1,700 couples for the Fertility Treatment Aid and Infertility Advocacy (BuAI) initiative, since its launch in February this year, exceeding the initial target of 1,300 couples. Its chairperson, Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim, said in the light of this development, LPPKN plans to seek an additional allocation from the government to meet the growing demand. 'We introduced this programme to help couples facing fertility issues by providing free assistance through a government subsidy of RM2,000, for two cycles of intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment. As we know, the cost of fertility treatment can be extremely high, sometimes exceeding RM50,000. 'The response so far has exceeded our target, so we will raise this matter with the ministry to request additional funds in the future,' she told reporters after officiating the state-level 2025 Mother's Day celebration here, today. At the event, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) scientist Prof Dr Wan Iryani Wan Ismail, who has garnered more than 50 accolades throughout her career, was named the state's Anugerah Inspirasi Ibu recipient. Rohani said that, so far, several couples have successfully conceived and are expecting their firstborn by the end of this year. She advised married couples under the age of 35, who have yet to conceive, not to give up, as they are eligible to receive treatment at four LPPKN Subfertility Clinics and the LPPKN Fertility Clinic (Full Paying Patient), located in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Sarawak and Penang. Meanwhile, Rohani said the 2024 Mother's Day survey revealed that nine out of ten mothers feel their responsibilities today are far more challenging, compared with the past, due to several factors, such as the cost of living, work demands, financial struggles, and lack of personal time. 'Various initiatives are being implemented by the government, under the National Women's Policy 2025-2030, and through programmes under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, including Kasih Ibu Tunggal, skills incubator for single mothers, MamaCare, and Wanita Bangkit. 'LPPKN also offers grants to parties interested in conducting research on the challenges faced by young mothers, so that we can better address their needs,' she said.
Barnama
26-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
LPPKN To Seek Additional Funding As Demand For Fertility Treatment Exceeds Target
KOTA BHARU, May 26 (Bernama) -- The National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) has received applications from over 1,700 couples for the Fertility Treatment Aid and Infertility Advocacy (BuAI) initiative, since its launch in February this year, exceeding the initial target of 1,300 couples. Its chairperson, Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim, said in the light of this development, LPPKN plans to seek an additional allocation from the government to meet the growing demand. 'We introduced this programme to help couples facing fertility issues by providing free assistance through a government subsidy of RM2,000, for two cycles of intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment. As we know, the cost of fertility treatment can be extremely high, sometimes exceeding RM50,000. 'The response so far has exceeded our target, so we will raise this matter with the ministry to request additional funds in the future,' she told reporters after officiating the state-level 2025 Mother's Day celebration here, today. At the event, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) scientist Prof Dr Wan Iryani Wan Ismail, who has garnered more than 50 accolades throughout her career, was named the state's Anugerah Inspirasi Ibu recipient. Rohani said that, so far, several couples have successfully conceived and are expecting their firstborn by the end of this year. She advised married couples under the age of 35, who have yet to conceive, not to give up, as they are eligible to receive treatment at four LPPKN Subfertility Clinics and the LPPKN Fertility Clinic (Full Paying Patient), located in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Sarawak and Penang. Meanwhile, Rohani said the 2024 Mother's Day survey revealed that nine out of ten mothers feel their responsibilities today are far more challenging, compared with the past, due to several factors, such as the cost of living, work demands, financial struggles, and lack of personal time. 'Various initiatives are being implemented by the government, under the National Women's Policy 2025-2030, and through programmes under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, including Kasih Ibu Tunggal, skills incubator for single mothers, MamaCare, and Wanita Bangkit.
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sabah's fertility rate plummets to 1.4, well below replacement level
Nancy Shukri LAHAD DATU (May 23): Sabah's fertility rate has declined dramatically over the past four decades, prompting renewed government efforts to support couples facing fertility challenges, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said. Nancy said that according to the Malaysia Vital Statistics 2023 released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Sabah's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) dropped from 5.5 children per woman in 1980 to just 1.4 in 2022, well below the replacement level of 2.1. While Terengganu registered the highest TFR at 2.9, Penang and Kuala Lumpur recorded the lowest at 1.2. Speaking at the launching of the Program Kesejahteraan Lelaki held in conjunction with the Program Kembara KASIH KPWKM 2025 here yesterday, Nancy said this downward trend, mirrored nationwide, raises serious demographic and social implications. 'This shows a clear pattern of declining fertility not only in Sabah but across Malaysia, with significant variation across ethnic groups. Nationally, Malays have the highest TFR at 2.2, followed by other Bumiputera at 1.8, while the Chinese community has the lowest at 0.9,' she said in her speech that was delivered by the ministry's Deputy Secretary-General (Operations), Farah Adura Hamidi. Nancy disclosed that in efforts to address the growing concern over infertility, the government has allocated RM6 million under Budget 2025 for the implementation of the Fertility Treatment Assistance and Infertility Advocacy Programme (BuAI), to be managed by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN). The programme, she said, aims to benefit 30,000 individuals and couples struggling with fertility issues adding that another RM1.3 million is set aside for men's health and wellness initiatives reaching 8,000 beneficiaries. 'Under the BuAI programme, 1,300 eligible couples will receive funding for up to two cycles of intrauterine insemination (IUI), and nationwide advocacy campaigns will be launched under the tagline 'The Earlier, The Better',' she explained. She added that the programme also includes counselling, consultations, screenings and medical treatment for both fertility and male wellness issues. Since 2022, LPPKN has offered Men's Wellness Services through its Subfertility Clinic in Kuala Lumpur, focusing on psychosexual conditions such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, factors often overlooked in discussions around infertility. 'These services are not just about treatment, but also education. We promote smoking cessation, weight control and healthy eating. Lifestyle choices have a significant impact on fertility,' Nancy said. Due to strong public response, LPPKN has expanded the clinics to Johor Bahru, Penang, Melaka, Terengganu and Sarawak since September 2023. This year marks the first time the BuAI and Men's Wellness programmes are being implemented in Sabah. Nancy also said that the programmes are also stepping stones toward the establishment of the National Subfertility Centre in Shah Alam, expected to be completed by 2029. 'The centre will offer affordable fertility services, serve as a hub for research and advanced reproductive technologies, and train fertility specialists,' she said. Addressing the broader role of men in family life, Nancy highlighted findings from the National Father's Day 2024 Survey, which found that nine out of 10 fathers believe that being a father today is significantly more challenging than in the past. 'They face tremendous pressure from the rising cost of living and financial strain to maintaining work-life balance and dealing with emotional health. Many fathers wake up early, come home late, and often neglect their own well-being for the sake of their families,' she said. The 2022 Family Well-being Index also revealed that while Malaysian families are adapting to the digital era, challenges such as gadget addiction among children are affecting quality family time. One in three parents struggle to control their children's screen use, most of them aged between 30 and 49. Nancy also warned that subfertility, defined as the inability to conceive after a year of unprotected sex, is now a shared issue among couples. Malaysia's TFR stood at 1.7 in 2023, a modest rise from 1.6 the previous year, but still below the replacement level. 'International studies now estimate that male factors contribute to nearly 50% of infertility cases. In Malaysia, the percentage of abnormal sperm in samples tested rose from 39% in 2010 to 60% in 2019,' she disclosed. The rise in psychosexual disorders is also evident. LPPKN clinics saw male wellness cases increase from 432 in 2023 to 760 in 2024. Among young men aged 18 to 29, 36.9% reported experiencing erectile dysfunction, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2022. In a heartfelt appeal, Nancy urged men to step forward and 'take charge' of their reproductive health. 'Do not be ashamed. Fertility issues are not just a woman's problem, they affect both partners. Start early, seek help together. The earlier, the better,' she said.
New Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
BuAI receives 1,700 applications for fertility treatment assistance since February
LAHAD DATU: The Fertility Treatment Assistance and Infertility Advocacy (BuAI) initiative under Budget 2025 has received 1,700 applications for intrauterine insemination (IUI) fertility treatment assistance since its launch in February. National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) director-general Abdul Shukur Abdullah said the initiative aims to support couples struggling to conceive, with an allocation of RM6 million, targeting 1,300 couples. "Since its launch, demand has been very encouraging nationwide. "As of now, we have exceeded our target by 400. "We are conducting eligibility screenings to ensure that only qualified applicants receive this free service," he told Bernama after the Men's Wellness Programme today. One of the key criteria is that applicants must be aged 35 and above, he said. The event was launched by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry deputy secretary-general of Operations Farah Adura Hamidi in conjunction with the Kembara Kasih programme. Meanwhile, Abdul Shukur said the agency aims to reach 30,000 men through the Men's Wellness Programme. "It was an encouraging turnout. We were informed that around 600 men attended our inaugural programme in Sabah to gain awareness on male wellness. "As part of LPPKN's services, today's programme featured screenings related to male fertility issues, general and reproductive health checks, including testicular and prostate cancer screenings. We also conducted health talks focused on men's well-being," he said. He said the programme is designed to empower men by raising awareness on the importance of health, sexual wellness and mental well-being. Earlier in his speech, Abdul Shukur highlighted that male psychosexual issues, such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, can contribute to infertility, noting that the National Health and Morbidity Survey (2022) reported that 36.9 percent of young men aged between 18 and 29 experienced erectile dysfunction. "Data from LPPKN's Men's Wellness Clinics, which offer counselling and medical treatment for abnormal semen conditions and psychosexual issues, show a rising trend in both new and follow-up cases, from 432 in 2023 to 760 in 2024," he added. Currently, six Men's Wellness Clinics have been established in Sarawak, Penang, Melaka, Terengganu, Johor and Sabah since the initiative was launched in 2022. "These clinics aim to raise awareness and promote healthy lifestyle practices such as quitting smoking, weight management and balanced nutrition, as lifestyle factors have a significant impact on fertility. "The clinics also offer male health screening packages," he said. In Sabah, Abdul Shukur said services are currently available at Klinik Nur Sejahtera in Kota Kinabalu, focusing on timed intercourse counselling, while counselling services are provided in Tawau. "We also operate the LPPKN mobile clinic for remote areas in Sabah, including during outreach efforts under the Kembara Kasih KPWKM programme," he said. He said LPPKN is prepared to collaborate with the General Operations Force and marine police to provide health services and advocacy for personnel who are often stationed far away from their spouses. "Men's wellness is a critical aspect they need to understand, and it's equally important for these officers to know how to maintain their reproductive health," he said. – Bernama
