Cover Teen girl getting her HPV vaccine at the doctor’s office while accompanied by her mother. (Photo: Getty Images)
Teen girl getting her HPV vaccine at the doctor’s office while accompanied by her mother. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Backtrack and rediscover the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the vaccine needed to prevent it
Here’s what Filipinos should know about the human papillomavirus (HPV): it’s the virus responsible for causing genital warts and cervical cancer. According to the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), it’s the second leading cause of cancer in the Philippines and the fourth leading cause of death from cancer in females. 37.8 million Filipino women remain at risk because of this virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a public health problem—and it still is.
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With more than 6,000 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed every year (akin to 12 deaths per day), as per the Department of Health (DOH) in 2022, the government increased efforts against HPV and HPV-related diseases. Last August 10, 2023, patient groups, health experts, the academe, the public sector, and healthcare companies assembled for the 12th HPV Summit in the Philippines.
By conducting comprehensive investment in immunisation and scaling up access to cervical cancer screening and treatment, the event highlighted HPV immunisation as a preventive measure integral to the country’s efforts to eliminate cervical cancer.
Above Photo: CDC / Unsplash
Photo: CDC / Unsplash
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What is HPV?
According to the National Health Service (NHS), HPV or the human papillomavirus is the name of a very common group of viruses. More than 30 strains can affect your genitals. These include harmless forms of HPV, like those that cause genital warts. Some types of HPV are considered “high risk” because they can progress to cervical cancer.
The Philippines has a population of 39.6 million women ages 15 years and older who are at risk of developing cervical cancer. Based on data presented by ICO, current estimates indicate that every year 7,897 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 4,052 die from the disease.
HPV also affects men. About 4 out of every 10 cases of cancer caused by HPV occur among men as well, based on data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Getting vaccinated can help prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.
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Above Likhaan, a local organisation, worked with Médecins Sans Frontières or Doctors Without Borders last 2016 to vaccinate young girls living in Manila slums
One community against HPV
The HPV Summit last August 10 went with the theme, “One community against HPV”, and discussed the importance of a prevention-centric approach. It suggests investing more in early prevention by vaccinating young girls to protect them from HPV infections that can cause cancer later in life.
According to Carmen Auste, vice president of the Cancer Coalition Philippines, the number of girls between 9 and 14 years old increases every year. “Because of this, what our government should do is increase the budget for HPV vaccination. This vaccine is very important because it will reduce the risk of our children getting cancer. This is the answer to eradicate cervical cancer,” she explains.
Above Department of Education (DepEd) Assistant Secretary Dr Dexter Galban delivers his message on the role of learning institutions in building a healthy Philippines during the 12th HPV (human papilloma virus) Summit in Araneta Center, Quezon City on Thursday, August 10, 2023. (Photo: Ben Briones/Philippine News Agency)
Department of Education (DepEd) Assistant Secretary Dr Dexter Galban delivers his message on the role of learning institutions in building a healthy Philippines during the 12th HPV (human papilloma virus) Summit in Araneta Center, Quezon City on Thursday, August 10, 2023. (Photo: Ben Briones/Philippine News Agency)
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“In our fulfilment in the World Health Assembly to address cervical cancer, we are working to increase the coverage of HPV vaccination in the country,” says Dr Jan Llevado, DOH’s Cancer Control Program Division Chief, echoing Auste’s statement.
“For the calendar year 2023, DOH has acquired one million doses of HPV vaccines, which will cover an estimated 500,000 females aged nine to 17, or approximately 38 per cent of the nationwide school-aged children target. We are appealing to Congress for an additional budget for our proposal for 2024. We were initially given a budget for 750,000 doses. Still, we’re appealing for additional budget to cover at least one age cohort,” he adds.
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Where to get HPV vaccines?
If you still haven’t gotten your HPV vaccine, the best place to know more about it is from local government units or the hospitals and health institutions near you. These health and private clinics below also offer HPV immunisation shots and sessions:
1. Kindred Philippines
Kindred is the first hybrid women’s health clinic in the Philippines that operates both online and offline. They offer women-centric healthcare and a safe space for women to prioritise their concerns and take charge of their health. Visit mykindred.co for more information.
2. Pulse Clinic Manila
Pulse Clinic Manila is a lifestyle clinic in Makati. They offer the HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9), one of the best ways to help prevent HPV infection. Visit pulse-clinic.com.ph for more information.
3. CerviQ
Above A look inside CerviQ’s website
A look inside CerviQ’s website
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CerviQ advocates for the elimination of cervical cancer in the Philippines. It is a social enterprise that focuses on cervical cancer awareness, prevention, early detection, referrals for treatment, and a data repository for comparative studies and research purposes. Learn more by visiting endcervicalcancerph.com.
Prevention is key
The government, both the DOH and local government units, together with health coalitions and healthcare professionals, are working hard to address HPV by allocating resources, enacting policies and legislations, and launching public awareness campaigns that reflect a commitment to a future where the virus is no longer a threat.
“Cervical cancer can easily be prevented if detected early. The benefits of investment in women and children will extend beyond health and translate into increased economic prosperity, strengthened societal bonds, and improved community resilience,” says Trina Biazon, the chairperson and program director of Gender and Development of Muntinlupa City, during the 12th HPV Summit.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is a digital editor at Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
