MSD, PHAPCares, and Project Red Ribbon Partner Up to Expand HIV Care Through HPV Prevention

HPV prevention is a vital step in protecting the health of People Living with HIV (PLHIVs). That’s why MSD Philippines, PHAPCares, and Project Red Ribbon have worked together to raise awareness and provide support to help ensure the long-term wellness of PLHIVs.

In 2025, MSD donated over 1,500 units of HPV vaccines to PHAPCares Foundation and they partnered with Project Red Ribbon to administer them. The prescribed three-dose HPV vaccination regimen was administered to immunocompromised individuals with all beneficiaries completing their final dose this June 2026.

This partnership supports the larger initiative of expanding HIV care initiatives to include HPV prevention. This is to help address immunocompromised individuals’ susceptibility to HPV-related diseases and cancers.

HPV Prevention Matters to PLHIV 

Aside from providing vaccinations, the initiative also sought to address major gaps in awareness and access surrounding HPV prevention among PLHIV. “Many PLHIV and even some healthcare providers may not fully appreciate the heightened risk of HPV-related diseases in immunocompromised populations or the benefits of early vaccination and regular screening,” explains Dr. Maria Rosarita Siasoco, Executive Director of PHAPCares Foundation.

She also highlighted the ongoing challenge of accessibility. “HPV vaccines and related preventive services may not always be readily available within HIV programs,” Dr. Siasoco said. “By supporting this initiative, PHAPCares aimed to bridge these gaps through targeted education, advocacy, and collaboration.”

MSD Market Access and Corporate Affairs Director Karlo Paredes said there still remains limited awareness that HPV vaccination is also critical for men and other vulnerable populations. “Contrary to the common belief that HPV vaccination only benefits women, there are many population groups that would benefit, especially people living with HIV.”

A Growing Public Health Concern

The joint initiative comes at a critical time as the Philippines continues to face one of the fastest-growing HIV surges in the Asia-Pacific region. Healthcare advocates emphasized that while HIV treatment remains essential, preventive interventions such as HPV vaccination must also become part of comprehensive HIV care.

Dr. Siasoco emphasized that the Philippines’ rapidly increasing HIV cases make prevention initiatives even more urgent. “HIV cases in the Philippines require urgent attention and action as the country faces one of the fastest-growing HIV surges in the Asia-Pacific region. We also look beyond the data, because to us, HIV cases are not just numbers. We have seen and spoken with people living with HIV and their families. They are close to our hearts because they need support and protection,” Dr. Siasoco explained.

Partners in Action

The collaboration between the three organizations has proven to be valuable in raising awareness on how to improve the quality of care for PLHIVs. Dr. Siasoco said that the initiative aligns closely with the PHAPCares mission of improving access to life-saving healthcare innovations and ensuring that underserved sectors are not left behind in disease prevention efforts.

Project Red Ribbon President Ico Johnson also said that being able to provide the HPV vaccines to PLHIVs supported their organization’s core advocacy of providing holistic client-centered care. “Our mission is to improve the quality of life of people living with HIV, as HIV care should go beyond treatment alone and include protection from other sexually transmitted infections and related health risks,” Johnson said.

Accessibility is Empowerment

For Project Red Ribbon, the initiative reflects a continuing effort to expand conversations around sexual health, STI prevention, and long-term wellness for PLHIV. Johnson shared that Project Red Ribbon and My Hub Cares have also expanded services to include HPV-related consultations and treatment services alongside HIV care and advocacy programs. “Education is not enough,” Johnson reiterates. “People also need access to actual services. That is how advocacy becomes meaningful.”

MSD’s Paredes added that the success of the initiative demonstrates the importance of improving vaccine access for vulnerable communities. “Finishing all 1,500 doses within one year proves that when access is provided, people will come forward and commit to protecting their health,” he said.

As the initiative concluded its first phase, the stakeholders expressed hope that the project will pave the way for broader discussions on integrating preventive services such as HPV vaccination into HIV treatment programs nationwide

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