Medical community backs reinstatement of school-based HPV immunization program
by Candy P. Dalizon, https://www.facebook.com/, https://www.facebook.com/BusinessMirror/ · BusinessMirror- Candy P. Dalizon
- October 3, 2024
- 4 minute read
Medical professionals and health advocates are rallying behind the reinstatement of the School-based Immunization Program (SBIP) targeting girls aged nine to 14 for HPV vaccination to combat cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer remains a pressing public health issue in the Philippines, claiming 12 women’s lives daily. Health experts agree that this initiative is crucial to address this problem.
The Department of Health (DOH) earlier announced that the nationwide school vaccination program for public schools will commence on October 7, 2024. Through the program, the DOH, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) will be giving vaccines to students from Grades 1 to 7. These include vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV), measles, rubella, tetanus and diphtheria. The HPV vaccines will be administered specifically to Grade 4 female students to prevent potential cervical cancer.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is highly preventable through vaccination against HPV, the leading cause of this disease.
DOH and DepEd are working together to ensure that health education and vaccination efforts reach children where they are—at school. Dr. Carmina Vera, Medical Officer IV of the DOH, highlighted the importance of this partnership.
“We aim to identify eligible populations to ensure equitable access for the most vulnerable groups in the country. By administering vaccines in schools, we can implement health education and collect parental consent more effectively,” said Dr. Vera.
Isang Boses Laban sa Cervical Cancer
During the recent media forum titled “Isang Boses Laban sa Cervical Cancer” hosted by the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV), various medical societies have come together to emphasize the importance of HPV vaccination.
Representatives from various medical groups presented their unified response and commitment to eliminate cervical cancer in the Philippines. Their statements highlighted a shared dedication to increase vaccination rates, improve screening programs, and provide accurate information about HPV and cervical cancer.
“The Foundation supports the reinstatement of the School-Based Immunization Program to prevent cervical cancer and meet WHO’s 90 percent coverage target. We advocate for a coordinated national and local effort to prevent cervical cancer through vaccination, screening, and improved treatment access,” said Dr. Lulu Bravo, PFV Executive Director.
Dr. Mildred Manalac-Mariano from the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) stated, “We support the promotion of the importance of vaccination against the human papillomavirus to prevent cervical cancer and decrease the cases.”
Dr. Martha Millar-Aquino of the Philippine Infectious Disease Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (PIDSOG) pledged, “We are dedicated to implementing comprehensive strategies to tackle this disease head on. We pledge to increase the screening rates among women.”
Dr. Kristine Bajandi, Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) added, “Collaborative efforts among stakeholders are essential to ensuring access to cost-effective vaccines to protect future generations from vaccine-preventable diseases.”
Dr. Deborah Red from the Society of Adolescent Medicine of the Philippines (SAMPI) and Philippine Society of Adolescent Medicine Specialists (PSAMS) affirmed, “We commit to provide accurate information on HPV vaccination to healthcare providers, adolescents, and parents.”
Dr. Therese Mallen of the Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Society of the Philippines (PAGSPHIL) highlighted the need for empowerment through education, stating, “We advocate for empowerment of adolescents through early comprehensive reproductive health education and awareness about cervical cancer and HPV.”
Finally, Dr. Joan Millonado and Dr. Margaret Alfonso from the Philippine Ambulatory Pediatric Association (PAPA) expressed optimism about ongoing health literacy initiatives.
“Through these initiatives, such as our continuing medical education activities, we are moving a few steps closer towards our goal of achieving cervical cancer elimination and promoting health across all populations,” said Dr. Millonado.
Wider HPV Genotype Protection Urged
During the forum, the importance of comprehensive education about HPV and cervical cancer was also discussed since many parents remain unaware of the critical role vaccination plays in preventing the disease.
Dr. Orlaud Tantengco from the DEFEAT HPV study likewise shared his insights.
“HPV viruses can be categorized into different types, much like a family tree. HPV 16 and 18 are among the more aggressive strains, classified as high-risk types because they are more likely to lead to cervical cancer. However, our study showed that HPV 52 was the most prevalent genotype,” said Dr. Tantengco.
The DEFEAT HPV study aims to determine the molecular epidemiology and natural history of HPV infection among reproductive-age Filipino women using a community-based prospective cohort design.
Dr. Ingrid Magnata, Jhpiego Country Program Manager, emphasized “the HPV vaccine has been available since 2006, and it was introduced in the public sector around 2014.” However, experts urged the government to aim for protection against a wider array of genotypes.
“We support the use of a cost-effective HPV vaccine that targets the most number of prevalent and emerging types, and advocate for catch-up vaccinations for girls who missed previous doses,” Dr. Bravo added.
Broader protection
The 9-valent HPV vaccine which offers broader protection against emerging high-risk HPV genotypes (including HPV types 31, 45, 52, and 58) has yet to be integrated into the national immunization program. The 9-valent vaccine, already available in private healthcare settings since 2017, is said to be a crucial component in the country’s cervical cancer prevention strategy.
Dr. Vera explained that the process of procuring vaccines involves a lot of in-depth reviews and studies.
“So as part of the process in the procurement of vaccines by the department, we only roll out, we procure vaccines which have regulatory clearance from our health technology assessment facility. And we also ensure that there is a proper pre-qualification to the database.”
“Once the vaccine has received its regulatory clearance from our authorities, then we can conduct further studies and other situational analysis to incorporate the said vaccine. Also, we account for the cost of the vaccine. So again, if it takes a lot of review and studies,” said Dr. Vera.
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