CITY OF STO. TOMAS, Batangas — IN a bold step towards eliminating cervical cancer, the local government unit (LGU) of Sto. Tomas in Batangas is launching a crucial three-year catch-up vaccination program to protect adolescent girls against the deadly human papillomavirus (HPV).
The LGU kicks off the program on December 3, specifically targeting 14-year-old girls who missed their HPV vaccination possibly due to supply shortages among other reasons.
Sto. Tomas government has procured 1,763 doses of the HPV vaccine on top of the allocation from the Department of Health, demonstrating a strong commitment to safeguarding the health of its youth and closing vaccination gaps.
Mayor Art Jhun Marasigan is taking decisive steps to protect its young population and address vaccination gaps as aligned with the World Health Organization’s 2030 goal to fully vaccinate 90% of girls with the HPV vaccine by age 15.
The local initiative called Student Health Education Program “SHEProgram-SHEmpre Ligtas” is under the town’s Health Education and Promotion Unit (HEPU) led by Dr. Arnieleyn Aguirre.
A Targeted Strategy for Cancer Prevention
This vaccination program aligns with the Department of Health’s and Department of Education’s school-based immunization program (SBI) while also filling critical gaps. The nationwide relaunch of the SBI in October renewed the focus on providing Grade 4 female students with two doses of the HPV vaccine, six months apart, a proven strategy to maximize protection.
HPV, the leading cause of cervical cancer, can be prevented through vaccination, making this program a critical intervention in reducing the incidence of this disease.’
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women aged 15 to 44 in the Philippines, claiming the lives of 12 women daily.? Yet, it remains one of the most preventable cancers, thanks to effective vaccines, regular screening, and timely treatment.
A Comprehensive Approach to WHO Targets
Sto. Tomas City’s initiative actively supports the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer, built on three key pillars’:
1. Vaccination
Target: 90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by age 15.
Local Action: The city is ensuring that 14-year-old girls are vaccinated annually, steadily moving toward meeting the WHO target and safeguarding future generations.
2. Screening
• Target: 70% of women screened with a high-performance test by age 35 and again by age 45.
• Local Programs: Regular screening has already started at the barangay level, supported by an established referral network to detect and treat cervical cancer early.
3. Treatment
Target: 90% of women identified with cervical disease receive treatment.
Future Plans: Sto. Tomas is preparing to expand its treatment centers and train more healthcare workers, ensuring timely and effective care for diagnosed women.
Leadership Through Local Action
The Sto. Tomas LGU is setting an example for other communities by taking proactive steps to eliminate cervical cancer. With local funding, it has bridged the gap in vaccine allocations and passed an ordinance establishing the Integrated Cancer Control Program, providing a stable framework for future prevention and care initiatives.
Community engagement is a key pillar of this program. Through the SHEProgram-SHEmpre Ligtas, the LGU is running awareness campaigns to educate residents about the importance of HPV vaccination and regular screening, fostering collective responsibility in the fight against cervical cancer.
A Beacon of Hope for the Future
This program represents Sto. Tomas LGU’s unwavering commitment to global health goals and serves as a model for other local governments. Small investments in vaccination and education today will yield significant health benefits and cost savings in the future.
As Sto. Tomas pushes forward with its vision of becoming cervical cancer-free by 2030, it offers a powerful reminder that eliminating this preventable disease is not just a possibility-it is an achievable reality. Together, through education, vaccination, and treatment, the city and its partners are paving the way for a healthier future for all.| – BNN
