In promoting nationwide health, eradicating cervical cancer remains a top priority for both the government and private sector as it remains a prolific killer, alongside breast and lung cancer.
In the recently concluded HPV (human papilloma virus) Summit, advocates fighting for a cervical cancer-free Philippines urged for a continuous multi-stakeholder approach in achieving a comprehensive cervical cancer prevention and control in the country.
The summit, now on its fifth year, is spearheaded by the Cervical Cancer Prevention Program in the Philippines (CECAP) together with the Department of Health (DOH) and supported by private sector entities such as MSD in the Philippines.
The burden of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases, and the importance of HPV screening and vaccination were discussed during the summit. The shift from community-based to school-based approach in giving HPV vaccines was also highlighted, as well as the introduction of the nonavalent vaccine which provides immunity from HPV strains 6,11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58 which means women can now be protected against 90 percent of all cervical cancer cases.
“The Philippines has come a long way in promoting disease awareness, screening and prevention, thanks in large part to multi-sectoral partners both public and private. But we also know that a lot still needs to be done in order to make a substantial impact in decreasing cervical cancer disease and death. The partnership behind this summit will help drive effort to reach more girls and women,” said CECAP chair Dr. Cecilia Llave in a statement.
Dr. Clarito U. Cairo, Jr., program manager of DOH Philippine Cancer Prevention and Control, discussed updates on the DOH’s initiatives to prevent and control cervical cancer as part of the expanded immunization program.
A multi-sectoral panel discussion and sharing of best practices was led by Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation coordinator Engr. Antonio Rivera, Médecins Sans Frontières Philippines–Tondo project coordinator Mr. James Mutharia and medical activity manager Dr. Mary Ruth Roxas, and CECAP coordinator Laurice Oliveria who worked on the Mauban Public-Private Partnership with Quezon Power Plant.
Dr. Maria Francia M. Laxamana, DOH Assistant Secretary, graced the event as keynote speaker. Laxamana enforced the importance of achieving Universal Healthcare, particularly on promoting HPV screening and vaccination among mothers and daughters in marginalized areas.
Recent scientific advancement has led to the development of an HPV vaccine with broader coverage against more strains of HPV infections. Dr. May Montellano, past president of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, led the discussion on the latest broader coverage of a nonavalent vaccine technology and its implication on cervical, vaginal, oropharyngeal and rectal cancers. This was followed by a talk from media practitioner Ellen Tordesillas of Malaya Business Insight, and social media influencer Dr. Gia Sison on the value of communication and education in HPV elimination, both of whom are cancer survivors.
A panel discussion focusing on how people can participate in the advocacy was moderated by Dr. Llave which included Philippines Obstetrical and Gynecological Society and Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of the Philippines former president Dr. Rey Delos Reyes, Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP) immediate past president Dr. Salvacion Gatchalian, and Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO) president Girlie Garcia-Lorenzo.
Dr. Enriquito Lu, RH/FP/NCD director at JHpiego, an affiliate of the Johns Hopkins University, presented on cervical cancer prevention outcomes in the country with robust data use.
Dr. Aileen A. Dualan, Asia Pacific medical affairs lead of MSD, concluded the program with some closing remarks that urged the significance of getting regular screening such as pap smears and visual inspection with ascetic acid (VIA), as well as HPV vaccination in order to prevent the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Filipino women.
The HPV Summit, themed “Making a Cervical Cancer-Free Philippines a Reality: A Multi-Stakeholder Approach Towards Comprehensive Cancer Prevention and Control” was held at the Manila Diamond Hotel.