(MANILA BULLETIN)




Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Ray Reyes has expressed concern over the prevalence of cervical cancer in the country. As such, Reyes is pushing for better access to human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines among Filipino women as a way to help eliminate the deadly disease. According to the Department of Health (DOH), cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women, with an estimated 7,277 new cases and 3,807 deaths due to cervical cancer expected yearly. "The numbers are very concerning. We recognize the initiatives rolled out by the government in promoting HPV vaccines but much more needs to be done to make these vaccines more accessible to Filipino girls," Reyes said. "We need to include HPV vaccines in our list of priorities as we continue to expand our Universal Health Care (UHC) coverage. Vaccines combined with regular screening, are considered the most effective way for women to help prevent cervical cancer," said the neophyte solon. In 2014, the Philippine government included HPV vaccination in its national immunization program. There are currently 52 provinces, 64 cities, and one municipality where the vaccination program is being implemented. However, the HPV vaccine coverage in the country showed less than 30 percent of girls aged 9 years have been immunized. "For diseases like cervical cancer, primary prevention and early detection are critical. We need to continue to promote primary prevention through HPV vaccination and accelerate HPV vaccine access coverage especially in the provinces," Reyes said.