Cervical cancer remains a significant burden in the Philippines, with 7,897 new cases and 4,052 deaths recorded in 2020 alone. This makes it the second most common cancer among Filipino women after breast cancer. Despite this alarming statistic, many people don’t know cervical cancer is preventable, and that there are vaccines available to help protect women against its most common cause, the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Fortunately, vaccines have been developed to help protect against HPV, which, combined with regular screening, is considered the most effective way for women to help prevent cervical cancer. The Philippine government has recognized the importance of HPV vaccination as a tool to help eliminate cervical cancer following the World Health Organization’s strategy. In 2014, it included HPV vaccination in its national immunization program. This year, the Department of Health (DOH) targets to vaccinate 600,000 grade 4 girls aged 9-14 in public schools nationwide.
Recently, the DOH, in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), local government units (LGU), and healthcare leader MSD in the Philippines conducted launch events in select cities and municipalities in Central Luzon to educate the public about cervical cancer and to encourage parents to allow their children to avail of the free HPV vaccines in schools and health centers.
In Tarlac City, the vaccination launch was led by City Mayor Maria Cristina Angeles, Central Luzon Center for Health Development family health cluster lead Dr. Janet Miclat, DepEd Tarlac City Schools Division Superintendent Maria Carmen Cuenco, and City Health Officer Dr. Carmela Go.
In Balanga City, Bataan, City Health Officer Dr. Mariano Banzon led the launch event at Cupang Integrated School where he thanked the parents for seeing the program’s value and for giving their consent to have their children vaccinated against HPV.
Meanwhile, in Bulacan, City Mayor Henry Villarica, City Vice Mayor Josefina Violago, Councilor Ronald Palomare, and City Health Officer Dr. Christian Roque, together with Dr. Emily Paulino from the DOH Bulacan Province, DepEd City of Meycauayan Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Carolina Violeta led the launch and commitment exercise held at Meycauayan West Central School in Meycauayan City, Bulacan.
The HPV vaccination expansion program was also launched for the first time in the province of Aurora, led by Dr. Charlou Pabillo of the DOH Aurora Province, Aurora Schools Division Superintendent Catalina Paez, and Councilor Eleazar Palmero of Maria Aurora town.
Despite these efforts, there are still challenges to successfully implementing vaccination programs in the Philippines. One of the main challenges is the lack of awareness about vaccines and their importance. As a result, many Filipinos are still hesitant to get vaccinated, citing concerns about its safety and efficacy.
To address these challenges, a societal approach is needed to promote the importance of vaccination, correct misinformation, and ensure that Filipinos have access to healthcare services. This includes the continuous and robust collaboration of the government, healthcare providers, educators, and the community.
