Cervical cancer continues to be a pressing health issue in the Philippines, claiming the lives of 12 Filipinas every day. Despite being largely preventable, the disease remains widespread due to the low awareness of prevention measures, lack of access to vaccines, and limited screening. Human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer, can be effectively fought through vaccination, yet the country struggles to implement widespread preventive strategies.
Recognizing the gravity of this issue, the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV) recently hosted a media forum titled “Isang Boses Laban Sa Cervical Cancer” at Novotel Manila. The event gathered key stakeholders from medical societies, government agencies, and organizations to rally a collective effort toward eliminating cervical cancer in the country by 2064. The forum highlighted the need for urgent, coordinated action, particularly through HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment.
Uniting for a Cause: Collaborating to Combat Cervical Cancer
The forum brought together leading medical organizations, including the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP), Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID), and others. Government agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Education (DepEd) also showed their commitment, alongside public figures like Quezon City District 1 Councilor Charm Ferrer. This coalition reflects the growing momentum to ramp up efforts against cervical cancer, with a clear focus on increasing access to HPV vaccines and screenings.
HPV and Cervical Cancer: A Preventable Threat
Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV, which is preventable through vaccination. The HPV vaccine significantly reduces the risk of infection, making it a critical tool in preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. However, despite the vaccine’s availability, the Philippines faces alarmingly low vaccination rates, with only 33% of eligible girls vaccinated and a screening rate of less than 1% for women. These statistics underscore the need for stronger initiatives to combat the disease.
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has set ambitious targets through its Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer by 2030. These targets include having 90% of girls fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15, 70% of women screened by ages 35 and 45, and 90% of women with cervical disease receiving treatment. Countries like Australia and Indonesia are making significant strides toward these goals through robust HPV vaccination programs, offering valuable examples for the Philippines to follow.
Learning from Australia and Indonesia: Best Practices for HPV Prevention
Australia leads the global fight against cervical cancer, having launched the world’s first publicly funded national HPV vaccination program in 2007. Coupled with a National Cervical Screening Program, the country has achieved remarkable progress. Australia vaccinates both boys and girls aged 12 to 23 and implements a twice-in-a-lifetime screening strategy. As a result, it is on track to eliminate cervical cancer by 2038.
Indonesia, too, has committed to a National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan (2023-2030) aligned with WHO’s 90-70-90 targets. Indonesia’s multisectoral approach involves academic, healthcare, and community leaders, demonstrating how a unified front can make significant headway in eliminating cervical cancer.
In contrast, the Philippines faces numerous challenges, with HPV vaccine coverage falling well below global standards. If the country fully implements its cervical cancer elimination pillars, including enhanced HPV vaccination and screening efforts, it could potentially prevent 970,000 deaths by 2064.
The Need for the 9-Valent HPV Vaccine in the Philippines
A key focus of the forum was the call to upgrade the current HPV vaccine in the Philippines to the 9-valent HPV vaccine, which provides broader protection against emerging high-risk HPV types. These types, including HPV 31, 45, 52, and 58, have become more prevalent in the Philippines, making it essential to offer comprehensive protection. Although the 9-valent vaccine has been available in private healthcare settings since 2017, it has yet to be fully integrated into the country’s national immunization program.
The 9-valent vaccine is pre-qualified by the WHO, and studies from countries like Japan show that it leads to faster and more significant reductions in cervical cancer incidence. Upgrading to this vaccine could play a pivotal role in the Philippines’ fight against HPV-related diseases.
Expanding Access to HPV Vaccination
To bridge the gap in HPV vaccine coverage, the forum emphasized the need to increase access points for vaccination across the country. This includes making vaccines more available in private schools, clinics, and other community spaces. By expanding HPV vaccination availability, the Philippines could work toward achieving the WHO’s 90% vaccine coverage target, ultimately reducing the number of cervical cancer cases in the country.
A Call to Action: Eradicating Cervical Cancer in the Philippines
Despite the availability of effective vaccines and screening programs, cervical cancer continues to cause unnecessary suffering and death in the Philippines. The forum delivered a clear message: the time to act is now. Government agencies, healthcare professionals, and community leaders must come together to combat misinformation, increase vaccination rates, and ensure that all Filipinos, especially young adolescents, have access to life-saving HPV vaccines.
The fight against cervical cancer requires a united, nationwide effort. By addressing the current gaps in awareness, vaccination, and screening, the Philippines can prevent countless deaths and create a healthier future for generations to come.
