DOST-HTA Council reviews new HPV9 vaccine, screening tools to boost cervical cancer prevention
By Jel Santos
(PHOTO: PIXABAY)
The Department of Science and Technology’s Health Technology Assessment Council (DOST-HTA Council) said it is reviewing next-generation vaccines and advanced screening tools to strengthen cervical cancer prevention.
Anne Julienne Genuino-Marfori, the chief of HTA Division, said the HTA Council is evaluating a pipeline of innovations, including preventive and diagnostic technologies for cancer.
“Kasama sa 15 health technologies for cancer na for evaluation ngayon ay preventive technologies katulad ng HPV vaccine (Among the 15 health technologies for cancer that are currently under evaluation are preventive interventions, including HPV vaccines),” she said in a recent interview with state-controlled PTV.
The DOST-HTA Division said the technologies under review include the nonavalent HPV vaccine.
Marfori said the HTA process ensures that government decisions on funding health technologies are evidence-based and aligned with available resources.
“Kailangan natin ng systematic, evidence-based process para ma-maximize ang limited resources ng gobyerno (We need a systematic, evidence-based process to maximize the government’s limited resources),” she said.
Data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (GLOBOCAN) showed that cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern in the country, with nearly 8,000 new cases recorded annually and around 12 Filipino women dying from the disease each day.
It added that cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths among women, particularly affecting those aged 15 to 44.
Marfori said HTA Council is also evaluating targeted cancer therapies beyond prevention to improve patient outcomes.