MSD in the Philippines Brings Together Advocates to Broaden HPV Prevention for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
Under Presidential Proclamation No. 158, signed in 2002, May is officially recognized as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in the Philippines. This year, MSD in the Philippines organized a multi-stakeholder forum “Together for Health: Towards a Cervical Cancer-Free Philippines.”
The forum brought together advocates from the local government, industry leaders, medical societies, and patient advocacy groups to reinforce the shared commitment to advance the Philippine roadmap towards cervical cancer elimination.
Eradication of Cervical Cancer is Possible
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common viral infection linked to several HPV-related diseases, causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer. HPV vaccination remains one of the highly effective ways to help prevent cervical cancer before exposure to high-risk HPV types occurs. This means that a future where cervical cancer no longer exists is possible through vaccination, early screening, and timely treatment.
To help achieve this goal by 2030, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 90-70-90 strategy calls for 90% of girls to be fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15, 70% of women to be screened using high-performance tests by ages 35 and 45, and 90% of women diagnosed with cervical disease to receive appropriate treatment and care.
International experts groups such as the Asia Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AOFOG) have provided the regional guidelines in cervical cancer vaccination and screening to help countries catalyze and strengthen the efforts towards averting these cases.
The Challenge of Filipinas
Cervical cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer and cancer-related deaths among women in the Philippines, with around 12 Filipinas dying from the disease every day. Many Filipinas still face barriers to accessing HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment services, particularly in underserved communities. Expanding vaccination coverage among school-aged girls remains critical in strengthening protection against cervical cancer, alongside growing discussions around broader and more inclusive approaches such as gender-neutral (or universal) vaccination.
Regular screening also enables earlier detection of precancerous changes in the cervix, while timely treatment and access to innovative medicines significantly improves outcomes for women diagnosed with cervical cancer. Newer technologies such as HPV DNA testing also help strengthen opportunities for earlier intervention and better detection of women at risk.
Broadening HPV Vaccination Access
There is increasing access to vaccination nationwide through schools, community health centers, hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. However, it was discussed during the forum that it is also important to ensure that those who may miss routine vaccination opportunities are not left behind by expanding the eligibility for the free HPV vaccination programs.
Several countries including Australia, Sweden, Scotland, and England have already strengthened their HPV prevention strategies through expanded catch-up vaccination programs for older age groups and have included males in their programs, which have led to broadened protection and reduction of HPV-related diseases. Health leaders noted that these global best practices demonstrate how inclusive and comprehensive vaccination strategies can support progress toward cervical cancer elimination.
Institutional Collective Effort
Cervical cancer prevention and HPV-related disease reduction continues to align with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 which promotes healthier choices, stronger preventive healthcare systems, and better protection for vulnerable sectors including women and children. These efforts also support the Magna Carta of Women, which upholds women’s right to comprehensive, gender-responsive, and accessible healthcare services across all stages of life.
Eliminating cervical cancer is not the work of one group alone. It demands sustained collaboration across government agencies, healthcare institutions, medical societies, local governments, civil society, academia, and private sector partners. Just as vital is the role of public awareness and community trust, which encourage more individuals to embrace preventive healthcare through vaccination and regular screening. These efforts create the foundation for lasting protection and progress toward a future free from cervical cancer.
Renewed Commitment to Sustained Action
The forum underscored a powerful message: awareness must lead to lasting action. Health leaders, advocates, and partners reaffirmed their shared commitment to eliminating cervical cancer through stronger partnerships and a whole-of-society approach. Together, they reaffirm their commitment and continue to work to protect more Filipinas with timely prevention, screening, and treatment while ensuring that communities are safeguarded against HPV and other HPV-related diseases.
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