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.

“Batang Bakunado, Todong Protektado” talk show hosted by Ms. Pauline Luna-Sotto along with medical experts Dr. Maricar Santos, Dr. Anna Ong-Lim and representatives from different parent groups.

In a recent online talk show, the Department of Health (DOH), with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Breakthrough ACTION project, brought moms and medical experts together to discuss the importance of COVID-19 vaccines for families, especially for young children.

“Batang Bakunado, Todong Protektado”, hosted by television personality and vaccine advocate Pauleen Luna Sotto, addressed common questions and concerns from parents on the safety and benefits of vaccines. Representatives from parent groups, Moms Support Moms PH, Usapang Nanay PH, and Best Nanay joined the show to share their personal experiences and concerns of fellow moms over the vaccines.

Are the vaccines still necessary?

“When my daughter turned five, I immediately had her vaccinated because she goes to school everyday. For parents, getting their children vaccinated brings a sense of relief. We can’t keep our children inside the house forever,” shared Ms. Luna-Sotto. Pediatric expert Dr. Anna Ong-Lim echoed this, stressing that vaccine coverage for children 5-11 years old continues to lag with only 51.63% of the target population fully vaccinated.

What can we do about vaccine side-effects?

Dr. Maricar Santos from the DOH shared that more than five million Filipino children have already been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Dr. Ong-Lim shared that if side effects are observed, these are common, usually mild, and easily manageable at home with fever medications or a simple cold compress for swelling on the arm. Many local government units will even provide paracetamol after vaccination. “We have all of these safeguards - observation post-vaccination, providing contact numbers, and medications, all to make sure okay ang bata pag uwi,” said Dr. Ong-Lim.

What can parents do to keep the world a safe place for their kids?

The moms present shared that the vaccination process was quick and easy for them. With the guidance of their parents, the children themselves understood the benefits of being able to go back to school and play with their friends and families while staying protected.

At the end of the show, moms and medical experts invited fellow parents to stay updated with the best and correct health information through the DOH platforms, so that we all understand why the COVID-19 vaccines are still important for our whole family.

OIC Secretary of Health – Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire and Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. present the PAAP-TB document

 The Department of Health (DOH) has launched the Philippine Acceleration Action Plan for Tuberculosis (PAAP-TB), a multisectoral initiative to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) in the country by 2035. The DOH together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), through the PAAP-TB aims to provide wider access to health services, and improved education and public information, social protection, and labor protection to eradicate TB by 2030.

Department of Social Welfare and Development Assistant Secretary Janet Armas during the press conference at the Philippine Acceleration Action Plan for Tuberculosis (PAAP-TB) initiative

FDA Director IV Jesusa Joyce N. Cirunay delivers pledge of support for the elimination of TB in the Philippines

Tuberculosis is a chronic communicable disease that comes second only to COVID-19 as a leading cause of mortality from a single infectious organism. According to the Global TB Report 2022, the disease accounted for 1.6 million deaths in 2021. In a preliminary report from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) this year, TB continues to rank 11th among the causes of death in the Filipino population.

TB elimination entails improving access to TB services, and addressing the social, economic, and physical determinants that significantly affect its occurrence, transmission, and even treatment. “In addressing these social determinants of health, we enjoin all our sectoral stakeholders for synergistic solutions to overcrowding, low education, malnutrition, and ultimately poverty. Our collective interventions will make TB services equitable, especially for the poor,” said Officer-in-Charge Secretary Dr. Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire. The PAAP-TB aims to address the nation's TB epidemic by re-examining current programs and initiatives of National Coordinating Committee for Tuberculosis (TB-NCC) member organizations. Together, these collaborating sectors will provide an action plan and involve the private sector and organizations to achieve the program's goals over two medium terms.

USAID Philippines Deputy Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks delivers pledge of support for the elimination of TB in the Philippines

 

TESDA QSO Director El Cid Castillo delivers pledge of support for the elimination of TB in the Philippines

 

PhilHealth Acting President and CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr. delivers pledge of support for the elimination of TB in the Philippines

 Also present at the event were representatives from various sectors committed to eradicating TB in the Philippines, Department of Health Assistant Secretary Beverly Ho, DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., DSWD Assistant Secretary Janet Armas, DOLE Executive Director for the Occupational Safety and Health Center Ma. Teresita Cucueco, and FDA Director IV Jesusa Joyce Cirunay.

OIC Secretary of Health – Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire delivers opening remarks on the importance of TB eradication and building a healthy population

“By engaging multiple disciplines, organizations, sectors, and partners can combine strengths and leverage resources, expertise, and knowledge, while addressing the social, environmental, economic, and political systemic drivers that influence behaviors and prevent the effective delivery of health policies and interventions,” said Officer-In-Charge Singh-Vergeire.

The PAAP-TB document has been developed with technical support from the USAID’s TB Innovations and Health Systems Strengthening Project implemented by FHI 360.