For the first time ever, over 400 stakeholders, including municipalities, healthcare advocacy groups, national agencies, and civil societies, stood united against the Big C at the 1st
Philippine Cervical Cancer Elimination Summit, titled ‘One Community Against HPV’.
Councilor Alfred Vargas, LGU of Quezon City
Dr. Conception Rayel, Head of United Action Against Cervical Cancer Taskforce Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society
Carmen Auste, CEO, Cancer Warriors Foundation
Over 400 stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare organizations, and patient groups, gathered for the 1st Philippine Cervical Cancer Elimination Summit, “One Community Against HPV.” Cervical cancer claims the lives of 12 Filipina women daily, with over 4,000 deaths annually. However, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global strategy outlines a path for elimination if the Philippines meets its 90-70-90 targets: vaccinating 90% of girls by age 15, screening 70% of women between 35-45, and treating 90% of women with pre-cancer or invasive cancer. Achieving this requires a coordinated, nationwide effort and various organizations have committed to accelerating these efforts.
The Philippine government, including the Department of Health (DOH) and local government units (LGUs), has prioritized cervical cancer elimination. Senator Bong Go stressed the urgency of addressing the issue, calling it both a moral and policy imperative. The DOH emphasized the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers, academic institutions, and civil society to make meaningful progress. Local governments, empowered by the expanded devolution of resources, are stepping up their efforts, with municipalities like Banna, Ilocos Norte already meeting the 90-70-90 targets, setting a national example. Other LGUs, such as Quezon City and Valenzuela, are working to strengthen local health infrastructure and increase HPV vaccination rates.
Ms. Carmen Auste, CEO of the Cancer Warriors Foundation, emphasized the need for unity, urging a collective voice in the battle against cervical cancer. “We should not just be one community but also have one voice,” Auste said, advocating for HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening. Healthcare advocacy groups, specialists, and pharmacists have pledged support for the national effort. Experts like Dr. Conception Rayel and Dr. Maria Lorena Santos highlighted the preventability of cervical cancer through vaccination and early detection. The Philippine Society of Pharmacists Vaccinators is working to expand access to the HPV vaccine by enabling certified pharmacists to administer it in local pharmacies. Survivors like Ms. Toots Magsino shared their stories, emphasizing the importance of early detection and the hope for recovery.
The summit marked a significant milestone in the fight against cervical cancer, showcasing the power of collaboration and the importance of a united front to eliminate cervical cancer in the Philippines.
Read more about the summit here: https://manilastandard.net/spotlight/314464153/govt-medical-societies-pharmacists-patient-groups-commit-to-eliminate-cervical-cancer-in-ph.html
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