by Edg Adrian A. Eva, Reporter
The expansion of the school-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program is being pushed by health advocates and private schools to strengthen efforts against cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women, claiming the lives of 12 Filipinas daily, with 36.9 million still at risk.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 95% of cervical cancer cases worldwide are linked to HPV, which can be prevented through vaccination.
HPV vaccines can prevent up to 90% of HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer, and is best administered to girls aged 9 to 14, or before their sexual debut, Dr. Maria Socorro C. Bernardino, trustee of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, said at the 1st HPV Summit for Private Schools on Saturday.
HPV Summit for Private Schools
During the summit, representatives from various stakeholders and health advocates led by Miriam College and the Catholic Educators Association of the Philippines-National Capital Region (CEAP NCR) called for the urgency of HPV vaccination for school-aged children. They also emphasized the need to expand the school-based immunization program in private schools.
Dr. Maria Cristina I. Alberto, board member of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination and the Philippine Pediatric Society, told BusinessWorld that while the government implements the School-Based Immunization (SBI) program, known as Bakuna Eskwela, for public school students.
She emphasized that it is equally important to expand the initiative for eligible women in private schools.
“Right now, the push is for private schools, for the meantime, to have their own vaccination through their own means. (But) We’re still pushing again for free immunization for girls in the private sectors,” Ms. Alberto said in a mix of English and Filipino in an interview during the summit.
The Bakuna Eskwela program, which was earlier announced by the Department of Education (DepEd) to resume from October to November last year, aims to immunize 973,930 female Grade 4 students in selected public schools.
However, Ms. Alberto emphasized that the numbers are still inadequate, as a large portion of the eligible female population remains underserved, with girls in private schools having fewer opportunities to participate.
While HPV vaccines are available at health centers, Ms. Alberto said that not all eligible women have access to them, and many parents are still unaware of its significance.
According to a report cited during the summit, only 33% of Filipina girls aged 9 to 14 have received the recommended two doses of the HPV vaccine, despite its availability since 2006 and inclusion in the National Immunization Program since 2015.
Government support
The Department of Education (DepEd) has expressed support for the expansion of school-based HPV immunization to private schools, emphasizing the role of schools in promoting health and bridging gaps in students’ immunization.
“Many learners are still unable to receive this protection due to misconceptions, community resistance, or lack of access to school health services,” Dr. Miguel Angelo S. Mantaring, Director of the Bureau of Learner Support Services at DepEd, said during his speech.
“Ensuring that learners have access to vaccines in schools means addressing multiple layers of barriers, from dispelling myths to providing a trusted space where children and parents feel confident in making the right health choices,” he added.
In support of the initiative, Mr. Mantaring announced that DepEd, the Department of Health, and the local government units are finalizing a joint administrative order to integrate school clinics into the local health care system.
“This policy formally integrates school health services into the broader local health system, ensuring that schools and local government units share responsibility in delivering essential health interventions,” he furthered.
Mr. Mantaring also announced that a school health benefit package, in partnership with Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is on the works, aiming to provide financial support on school clinics, allowing them to deliver preventive health services, including immunization.
While private schools are not yet covered by the government’s HPV vaccination program under SBI, Ms. Alberto told BusinessWorld that they can seek partnerships to procure HPV vaccines at a lower cost.
Miriam College has already taken this initiative, partnering with various health institutions to offer on-site HPV vaccination.
Kristine Marie L. Saludez, Miriam College’s grade school principal, told BusinessWorld that the rollout will begin in the coming months, aiming to immunize at least a thousand students from grade school to high school.
