The Cervical Cancer Prevention Network of the Philippines, together with the Asia and Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS), and healthcare company MSD in the Philippines held the 11th HPV summit with a theme “A Philippines free of HPV and HPV-related cancers: How do we get there?”
“In 2020, 15 out of 100,000 Filipino women had cervical cancer. Our target is to reach and maintain an incidence of below four out of 100,000 women. Working toward this goal entails intensifying efforts to expand women’s access to preventive services, bring screening and early detection services closer to the people and provide holistic treatment support to reduce the burden of the disease,” said Dr. Ma. Rosario Vergeire, Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge.
Cancer screening and early detection interventions are available and accessible in primary care facilities and hospitals. There is a visual inspection with acetic acid and pap smear for females, which are covered by the PhilHealth Konsulta package. The DOH has also started to introduce as part of the pilot implementation of the SUCCESS project, the use of the HPV DNA screening test, piloted in 30 access sites in the Philippines.
In terms of treatment, cancer patients can avail of free medicines under the Cancer Medicine Access Program, and the release of the Cancer Assistance Fund will provide additional financial support for screening and diagnostics.
“You have the major building blocks in place to achieve elimination of cervical cancer including a school-based vaccination program that is quite vibrant and effective,” noted Dr. Mel Kohn, public health expert and epidemiologist at MSD. “With stakeholders’ commitment and support, I’m sure we will get there.”
Dr. Kim Tejano, medical officer at DOH, shared that as schools begin to open, the department is working closely with the Department of Education to resume school-based immunization. Based on the WHO SAGE recommendation, DOH is also exploring shifting to one-dose HPV vaccination and expanding vaccination sites.
In terms of screening innovations, the SUCCESS program is implemented in 30 project sites and will screen 40,000 women across the country. SUCCESS lead researcher Dr. Cecilia Llave said that “evidence generated from this program” will provide the basis for a national plan and “service-delivery integrated model for screening and linkage to treatment adapted to country context.”
At the local government level, Quezon governor Dr. Helen Tan shared the importance of financing for successful health program implementation.
With 2030 just eight years away, health professionals need to strengthen their commitment to fighting cervical cancer.
“Inequity in awareness, access, and availability are key factors in cancer control. Overcoming cervical cancer is our common goal. We must not let women die from cervical cancer. Let’s work together for a region free of HPV and HPV-related cancers,” said Dr. Kazunori Ochiai, Cervical Cancer Elimination Working Group Advisor, and AOFOG Immediate Past President.
“We commit to supporting the advocacy of achieving an HPV and cervical cancer-free Philippines. We must face challenges and overcome them, but this advocacy is a battle that must be won. And I believe that with the efforts of all stakeholders, this will be achieved by 2030,” said Dr. Marlyn Dee, POGS president.
