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In commemoration of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, MSD in the Philippines, a premier research‑intensive biopharmaceutical company, recently convened the Together for Health: Towards a Cervical Cancer-Free Philippines forum. The multi‑stakeholder gathering brought together representatives from government, industry, medical societies, and patient advocacy groups to address cervical cancer as a critical public health concern and reinforce collective action toward its elimination.
Cervical cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Filipinas, claiming the lives of around 12 women every day. Despite being largely preventable through HPV vaccination, early screening, and timely treatment, many women continue to face barriers in accessing these lifesaving interventions.
At the forum, health leaders emphasized the urgency of aligning national efforts with the World Health Organization’s 90‑70‑90 strategy: vaccinating 90% of girls against HPV by age 15, screening 70% of women at ages 35 and 45, and ensuring 90% of women diagnosed with cervical disease receive appropriate treatment. “We cannot fight this battle alone. It requires a concerted effort among all stakeholders—government agencies, healthcare providers, advocacy groups, academe, and the community at large,” noted one of the forum’s speakers.
The event highlighted global best practices from countries such as Australia, Sweden, and England, which have expanded HPV vaccination programs to include older age groups and males, resulting in broader protection and reduced HPV‑related diseases. Stakeholders urged the Philippines to adopt similar inclusive strategies to strengthen protection and accelerate progress toward elimination.
Beyond vaccination, experts underscored the importance of regular screening and innovative diagnostics such as HPV DNA testing, which enable earlier detection of precancerous changes. Access to timely treatment and innovative medicines was also identified as vital to improving outcomes for women diagnosed with cervical cancer.
The forum reaffirmed that cervical cancer prevention and care are aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023‑2028 and the Magna Carta of Women, both of which promote stronger preventive healthcare systems and uphold women’s right to accessible, gender‑responsive healthcare.
As Cervical Cancer Awareness Month continues, MSD in the Philippines and its partners call for sustained cooperation across sectors to transform awareness into action. Through stronger partnerships and a whole‑of‑society approach, the Philippines aims to achieve the global threshold of fewer than four cases per 100,000 women by 2030, protecting more Filipinas through prevention, screening, and treatment.
