Strong steps towards a country without HPV

A broad coalition of Filipinos has stepped up the fight to eliminate the human papillomavirus and one of the dreaded diseases that it causes cervical cancer of the uterine cervix.

National and regional government officials, policy makers, medical societies, patient groups, and private sector members gathered in Manila for the annual HPV summit, created in 2012 as a determined response to the threat imposed by HPV infection and the growing burden of cancer of the cervix

. is part of a series of activities that marked the month of cervical cancer awareness, in support of the global appeal of the cervical cancer. World Health Organization to end the suffering caused by the human papillomavirus. Worldwide, a woman dies of cancer every two minutes – and 85% of deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, said Rubie Jean Olleras, WHO technical support manager in the Philippines, when of the opening session of the forum

This situation should not be the case, she said, because cancer of the cervix of the uterus is one of the forms of cancer the most avoidable and the most treatable. the forum where regular screening and immunization will be key to achieving the group's overall health goals

. Clarito Cairo Jr., head of DoH's cancer control program, said coordinated actions are key to creating strong health systems that will ensure that all women receive the HPV vaccination at the right time. It also provides better access to screening and treatment services for precancerous lesions and cervical cancer.

An example, according to Dr. Cairo, is the strengthening of the Expanded HPV Immunization Program by modifying the administration of the free quadrivalent. HPV vaccines from a community-based approach to a school-based approach, in partnership with the Department of Education and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

As a result of this collaboration, more young women ages 9 to 13 Cairo added that the DOH has also increased access to screening as a secondary measure of cervical cancer prevention. of the uterus

. Cecilia Llave, director of CECAP, led the discussion on early screenings that covered a review of visual inspection programs with acetic acid from DOH, the need to link HPV screening to treatment – using cryotherapy – in a single approach to visiting and bringing innovations in the detection of cervical cancer

. Rey de los Reyes, former president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of the Philippines (SGOP), has focused on improving access to treatment options – highlighting the inclusion of cervical cancer treatments in the Z-Benefit Packs offered by PhilHealth.

To this end, Annaliza de Leon, PhilHealth's chief social insurance specialist, emphasized not only the availability of Z-benefit for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer in some hospitals, but also the reimbursement of VIA as a screening tool. accredited facilities.

She also shared that PhilHealth could consider expanding its coverage for prevention, screening and treatment as a response to the pressure for universal health coverage.

Speakers and panelists also explored new travel opportunities to become a Philippines without HPV.

This includes adapting a gender-neutral approach to the administration of HPV vaccines and making vaccination a first-line benefit for special populations, such as immunocompromised and most vulnerable to opportunistic risks. infection.

Dr. Rontgene Solante, former president of the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, said provisions for PLHIV, as well as target populations for sexual and gender minorities, such as the LGBT community, were recommended for inclusion in the PSMID and Philippine Immunization Foundation For example, Australia was cited for its good gender-neutral approach, as the government-funded HPV national immunization program is implemented without sexist prejudices . Quadrivalent HPV vaccines are administered to more than 70% of men and women of school age.

In a dialogue led by Dr. Ella Naliponguit, Director of the Department of Support Support for DepEd, it was pointed out that in the Philippines, DOH and DepEd must recognize the greatest health opportunities that can be If the existing School Immunization Program (SBIP) is expanded to include men, this would ensure that a larger portion of the population is protected against the disease.

At the conclusion of the summit, leaders of the multi-stakeholder group again devoted themselves to advocacy and committed to following the next steps – moved and inspired by the day's discussions – to finally eliminate HPV-related diseases in the Philippines.