Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos expressed her support for the Department of Health’s nationwide vaccination drive against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which she said will be crucial in ensuring the safety of girls from the threat of cervical cancer.
“It is unfortunate that many Filipinas are still afflicted and die from a disease that we can prevent through proper intervention,” said Bernos, a nurse by profession.
“Kaya buo ang ating suporta sa layunin ng DOH na mabakunahan ang mga babaeng mag-aaral upang mabigyan sila ng karampatang proteksyon kontra sa cervical cancer na isa sa mga pinaka-karaniwang cancer na tumatama sa ating mga Pilipina.”
Cervical cancer is the second-most common type of cancer among women in the Philippines, as well as the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related death among Filipino women.
The DOH announced that it is targeting the vaccination of 2.007 million learners from grades 4 and 5 from public and private schools against HPV through the Bakuna Eskwela program.
Bernos said that the vaccination drive is an important intervention against cervical cancer, especially as it helps families overcome the prohibitive cost of out-of-pocket HPV vaccines, which currently range in price from P8,000 to P24,000.
The lawmaker pointed out that the program is also in line with the World Health Organization’s 90-70-90 strategy to eliminate cervical cancer.
The said strategy states that 90 percent of girls should be fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15; 70 percent of women should undergo screening using a high-performance test by age 35; and 90 percent of women diagnosed with cervical disease should receive appropriate treatment.
Cervical cancer is the second-most common type of cancer among women in the Philippines, as well as the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related death among Filipino women.
Bernos also underlined the need for the government to address growing anti-vaccine sentiment among Filipinos, which she said could lead to massive setbacks in public health.
“Epektibo po ang mga bakuna at nailigtas na tayo sa napakaraming sakit. Huwag po tayong magpadala sa takot at misimpormasyon na kumakalat ngayon dahil ang kalusugan at buhay natin at ng ating mga mahal sa buhay ang maaaring maapektuhan.”
