As a woman and a mom, I understand how crucial good health is in life. Staying healthy means being there for your family—guiding them, supporting them, and sharing precious moments for many years to come. That’s why I’m incredibly grateful for the free HPV vaccination program offered by the government agency I work for. Being one of the beneficiaries of this initiative is a blessing and a significant step toward safeguarding my health.

Recently, I attended an event focused on creating a cervical cancer-free future. The discussions highlighted the importance of prevention, especially through HPV vaccinations, early screenings, and raising awareness about cervical cancer. It was both informative and empowering, reminding me of the importance of health advocacy.

Here are the highlights of the event entitled "Together for Health" 

As the world observes the World Health Organization (WHO) Cervical Canter Elimination Day of Action, diverse stakeholders from the national and local government, private sector, and patient advocacy groups convened to celebrate progress and reaffirm their commitment to ending cervical cancer in the Philippines. In an event titled "Together for Health: The Progress Made and What More Needs to Be Done for Cervical Cancer Elimination," organized by the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), MSD in the Philippines, and Roche (Philippines) Inc. - Diagnostics Division (hereafter, "Roche Diagnostics"), participants underscored the importance of united efforts to eliminate this preventable disease.

Cervical Cancer, primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), continues to challenge public health, particularly among Filipino women, for whom it is the second most common cancer. Each year, this disease claims the lives of approximately 12 women daily. This reality highlights the urgency of prevention and the critical role of immunization in protecting women and the next generation.

According to the WHO, cervical cancer can be eliminated if all countries achieve and maintain and incidence rate of below 4 per 100,000 women. This goal rests on three key pillars: vaccination, screening, and treatment. The targets include ensuring that 90% of girls are fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by age 15, 70% of women are screened using a high-performance test by ages 35 and 45, and 90% of women with pre-cancer or invasive cancer receive appropriate treatment. Achieving these 90-70-90 targets by 2030 is critical for eliminating cervical cancer within this century.

School Based Immunization Program: A Shield for the Future

Since 2015, the Philippine Government has implemented a school-based immunization program aimed at protecting students from preventable diseases, including HPV, which causes cervical cancer. By providing essential vaccines through schools, this initiative ensures young people are reached in a trusted environment, reducing long-term health risks.

The resumption of the school-based immunization program comes at a crucial time, targeting grils aged 9 for 14, and aligns with the WHO's 2030 goal of vaccinating 90% of girls against HPV by age 15. This program also amplifies efforts to protect future generations from cervical cancer. 

Centralized Laboratory Model for HPV Screening: A New Approach

Building on the SUCCESS Project, which improved access to early diagnosis and treatment technologies, the Centralized Laboratory Model for HPV Screening (CLAMS) project introduces a streamline approach to cervical cancer screening. Supported by Roche Diagnostics, CLAMS uses centralized laboratories in urban centers to process HPV samples collected through self-collection kits. By leveraging advance HPV DNA technology, the project simplifies the screening process for women and strengthens public facilities' testing capacity.

Additionally, CLAMS supports health promotion efforts and demand generation for cervical cancer preventive services in cities like Manila, Navotas, Quezon City, Taguig, and Muntinlupa. The project fosters awareness through health education initiatives and enables comprehensive free screenings to help women access life-saving diagnostic tools.

"Roche Diagnostics is at the forefront of developing quality screening, triage, and diagnostic solutions for cervical cancer. We are committed to the global strategy to eradicate cervical cancer and work with governments, associations, international organizations, and society to increase awareness and ensure access to accurate screening and care for all women-no matter where they live," said Marco Antonio Valencia Sanchez, Country Manager, Roche diagnostics.

Strengthening LGU Commitment to Safeguard Future Generations

Support from local government units (LGUs) is pivotal to enhancing the reach of immunization and screening programs, especially in rural areas where healthcare access is more limited. By prioritizing health education, resource allocation, and vaccine availability, LGUs play a critical role in meeting WHO's 2030 targets and ensuring healthcare is accessible to all.

LGUs that actively champion preventive healthcare contribute to a broader vision of comprehensive health services. Their involvement not only helps achieve immunization and screening goals but also fosters early detection and treatment strategies crucial for saving lives.

Public-Private Partnerships: Driving Progress in Cervical Cancer Elimination

Public-private partnerships, like those with PHAP, MSD, and Roche Diagnostics, bolster national strategies to eliminate cervical cancer. These collaborations strengthen the National Integrated Cancer Control Program (NICCP) and bridge gaps in funding, awareness, and access to healthcare services.

"Ending cervical cancer in the Philippines requires a strong, multi-stakeholder approach, drawing on the strengths of governmrny, healthcare providers, and the private sector alike. Together, we can bring about a future where cervical cancer is no longer a public health threat," said Teodoro Padilla, Executive Director of PHAp, representing the research-based medicines, vaccines and diagnostics sector in the country.

"We are focused on placing women at the heart of healthcare efforts, creating access tot he best vaccines and cancer care resources," added Andreas Riedel, President and Managing Director of MSD in the Philippines. "By uniting our expertise and resources, we can reach more Filipinas and make cervical cancer prevention, screening, and education widely accessible."

Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision for a Cervical Cancer-Free Future

Achieving the goal of eliminating cervical cancer unwavering commitment form all sectors. As the Philippines intensifies its efforts toward WHO immunization and screening targets, continue collaboration among government agencies, LGUs, healthcare providers, and private partners remains essential .

"Cervical Cancer elimination is a shared responsibility. With DOH, DepEd, LGUs, and private partners working closely together, we are better equipped to protect future generations," said Padilla. "Together, we can build a future where cervical cancer is no longer a threat to women's lives and where health equity ensures that every woman-from urban centers to rural villages-has the opportunity to live a healthy, fulfilling life."

As initiatives like "Together for Health" continue to mobilize resources and foster collaboration, the Philippines advances not only toward meeting global health targets but also toward a futures where cervical cancer no longer endangers the lives of Filipino Women. Through education, prevention, and screenings, the nation takes significant strides toward creating a cervical cancer-free future for generations to come.

So, to all the moms out there, let’s take care of our health! Programs like these are not just for us but also for our children. If your child is eligible for free HPV vaccination, don’t miss the chance—it’s a gift of protection for their future. Let’s stay informed, grab these opportunities, and create healthier lives for ourselves and our families.

The power to protect yourself from cervical cancer is in your hands. Every woman--- regardless of race, age, lifestyle or socio-economic status---is at risk. But it can be prevented. The World Health Organization recommends screening and vaccination as a form of preventive health care.

Few weeks ago, Power Wives Club which consists of spouses of seafarers were invited at Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Bagtikan St., Makati City to educate and learn more about Cervical Cancer. I am so thankful that I had an opportunity to cover this kind of event that gives me a lot of information about Cervical Cancer that mommies like me is prone of.
The event was hosted by Ms. Suzi Entrata and as part of the event attendees were taught on how to wrap their gifts and also how to put on make up. As we all know it's the holiday season and gift wrapping is now a must because of the holiday season. This will be of big help for moms like me who is busy now in preparing gifts for their loved ones. We can now wrap gifts creatively. On the other hand, looking beautifully is also a must and make ups help cover that blemishes or wrinkles. For sure we'll be the star of that gatherings. Mommies are thrifty right? This make up session is a big help for moms as they share tips on putting on make ups. A do-it-yourself move without the fuss and hassle of going to the parlor. A thrifty move for us mommies.

Power Over Cervical Cancer

Our culture celebrates our women as selfless and who always put their families’ interest ahead of their own. While selflessness is naturally an asset, we also want to imbibe to our beloved women the values of resilience, self-confidence and self-appreciation as we envision them to realize the fullness of their womanhood.
In this regard, leading research-based pharmaceutical company GSK continues to ramp up its cervical cancer awareness efforts with the patient—the woman—always a priority. In the Philippines, the Power Over Cervical Cancer campaign urges Filipinas to realize that they are empowered—that they can do something to prevent the disease from happening to them, so they can have the wonderful, meaningful and joyful life that they deserve.

The Power Wives

The key thrust of GSK’s 2015 cervical cancer awareness campaign, Power Over Cervical Cancer, revolves around empowering women when it comes to preventing cervical cancer.

To further advance this advocacy to embrace more women across all demographics, the pioneering Power Wives will be the Seafarers’ Wives, who will undergo a program that will include sessions on personality development, image building, personal resilience, financial management and self-care.

To date, there are about 400,000 Filipino seafarers deployed who render themselves and their families at greater risk for several diseases and infections due to their working conditions. While they are striving for financial stability as their idea of a bright future, GSK wants to bring into their consciousness the value of preventive health care.

Secure the Future

On a national scale, Filipino seafarers on board international fleets have greatly contributed to our social economic progress. Their foreign exchange remittances grow annually, notwithstanding that our seafarers comprise only 5 percent of the total OFWs working abroad.
In 2014, their contributions amounted to USD5.6billion out of the USD24.3 billion dollars aggregate OFW remittances or more than 20 percent thereof. Currently, we are also ranked number 4 among the biggest shipbuilders in the world.

Shipping clearly moves the world. The underlying truth is that Filipino seafarers play a major role in the shipping industry as a whole, with 1 out of 4 seafarers on board international vessels being Filipinos. This means they comprise 25 percent of the total global maritime professionals in the world.

“The significance of the Philippine maritime industry transcends both the global and national arena. Undeniably, 90 percent of world trade is still reliant on international shipping. This means that almost all the food we eat, clothes we wear, the things we buy, use, own, in one way or another, were shipped on board vessels before they got to us,” stated Capt. Ronald SJ Enrile, Senior Vice-President Maritime Management of Philippine Transmarine Corporation, the country’s biggest shipping-employment agency.

Securing the OFW families’ future is important. The future should not only mean financial stability but also health and wellness among the family members. Therefore, the need for health checkups and vaccination becomes more imperative.

Importance of early protection
Cervical cancer is a major problem for Filipino women: it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Filipinas, with seven dying of the dreaded disease every single day. What’s more worrying is that 2 in 3 Filipinas diagnosed with cervical cancer may die within five years, or up to 2,832 women dying in a year. In its early stage, it may have no signs or symptoms.

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop and spread in the cervix, the entrance between the vagina and the uterus. The human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus, is the necessary cause of cervical cancer. It has been shown that 99.7 percent of cervical cancer patients are positive for HPV infection. It is also estimated that up to 80 percent of women will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives.

While HPV is primarily transmitted via sexual intercourse, skin-to-skin genital contact is also a recognized mode of transmissionv. Beyond regular consultations and pap smears by your doctor, vaccines that protect against cancer-causing HPV are also now readily available.
The incidence of cancer-causing HPV infection is actually highest at the young ages of 15-19. This is why the World Health Organization Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (WHO-SAGE) on Immunization reiterates the importance of getting young girls protected through HPV immunization before their first exposure to HPV (i.e. before sexual contact), as young as 9 years old.

Older women are just as susceptible. The risk of persistent infection with cancer-causing HPV (which is necessary for cervical cancer to develop) increases with age, and is highest when a woman is over 66 years old. Vaccination remains to be recommended for older women who did not receive it at an earlier age. However, screening continues to be encouraged among older women as a matter of precaution.

Prevention is better than cure, I will definitely let my loved ones like my mother, my titas and my friends encourage them about the big help of Vaccination against Cervical Cancer. I'll share what I've learned on this event.

Because of this, I will schedule a to visit my OB-gyne and that's very soon. Vaccination against Cervical Cancer is now one of my priority for my self and for my family. 

To know more about cervical cancer, visit the Pangarap Mo, Protektado page on Youtube containing various short films conveying how protecting oneself against vaccine-preventable diseases is one important step in the achievement of one’s dreams.

ABOUT GSK
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For further information, please visit www.gsk.com.