Health experts ramp up anti-cervical cancer vaccination drive

Local

PUBLIC health experts are urging women to take advantage of free cervical cancer screening services and parents of eligible girls to have their children vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV).

This comes as the Mandaue City Government ramps up its efforts to prevent cervical cancer through wider access to HPV vaccination and free screening services, while strengthening public awareness of early detection and prevention

The city government is also preparing to procure P2 million worth of HPV vaccines for children aged 9 to 14, initially targeting Grade 4 and Grade 5 learners in public and private schools.

The local supply will augment vaccines provided through the Department of Health’s (DOH) National Immunization Program.

The call was highlighted during the media forum titled “From Commitment to Action: Mandaue City Strengthens Its Push for Cervical Cancer Elimination,” which brought together health officials, medical experts and local government representatives to discuss prevention, vaccination and early detection.

Dr. Cyrus Cesar Tejam, a pediatrician and specialist in adolescent medicine, explained that HPV is a common virus that can affect both men and women.

While many infections may clear on their own, certain high-risk strains can cause changes in cells that may eventually develop into cancer.

HPV-related cancers can affect several parts of the body, including the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, and the mouth and throat.

The virus can also cause genital warts.

Tejam emphasized the importance of vaccination, particularly before individuals become exposed to the virus.

He said the HPV vaccine helps prevent cancers associated with the virus and is not limited to protecting against cervical cancer.

The vaccine is recommended for children aged 9 to 14, who require two doses, while those aged 15 and above need three doses, according to Tejam.

He also cited the widespread nature of HPV, noting that eight out of 10 sexually active people may acquire the virus during their lifetime.

City Health Officer II Dr. Debra Maria C. Catulong, meanwhile, underscored the importance of combining vaccination with screening to strengthen cervical cancer prevention.

She said the city already provides free screening services, including Pap smear, HPV DNA testing and visual inspection with acetic acid.

These services allow health workers to identify possible abnormalities and detect risks that may require further medical assessment.

Catulong also discussed the city's cancer navigation clinic at the City Health Office, which assists patients who test positive for cancer.

The clinic helps them navigate referrals to medical institutions and access available financial assistance, extending support beyond the initial screening and diagnosis.

The city has also received assistance from the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) and Jhpiego, which helped provide free testing kits.

For the planned HPV vaccination rollout, Catulong said the city would coordinate with schools, including school principals, clinic teachers and parent-teacher associations, to inform families about the program.

The city will distribute informed consent forms to parents and guardians, with vaccination proceeding only after parental approval.

Public and private schools are both included in the initiative, although officials acknowledged that the available vaccine supply may not be sufficient to cover all eligible learners.

The city hopes to increase its allocation in the succeeding year.

"We are also looking forward, pila ka years from now, baka mag-reduce na sad ang number of cases sa atoang mga kababayen-an o sa mga lalaki bahin sa kaso ng cervical cancer and HPV cancer," she said.

The P2-million procurement is part of the city's effort to supplement national government supplies and expand access to HPV vaccination among eligible children.

Councilor Raul Kevin Cabahug, who chairs the City Council's Committee on Health and Hospital Services, was among the local officials who discussed the city's commitment to the program.

Cabahug said, the city government, under Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano, has also expressed support for efforts to eliminate cervical cancer.(MyTVCebu)