By Nimfa Estrellado Sampaloc Mayor Angelo Devanadera (Photo from NLE) SAMPALOC, Quezon - Cervical cancer, a preventable disease that cla...
 |
| Sampaloc Mayor Angelo Devanadera (Photo from NLE) |
SAMPALOC, Quezon - Cervical cancer, a preventable disease that claims the lives of 12 Filipinas every day, poses a significant threat to nearly 40 million women in the country. Early HPV vaccination, coupled with regular screenings and timely treatment, offers a crucial defense against this devastating illness.
In Quezon Province, a significant step was taken in the fight against cervical cancer on September 24, 2024, with the relaunch of its school-based immunization (SBI) program at Sampaloc Elementary School Main. The event, titled "Sa Aking Paglaki, Walang HPV," marked the kick-off of the program with a focus on HPV vaccination, aiming to protect 400 female students from this preventable illness.
This launch is part of the Department of Health's (DOH) strengthened National Immunization Program, formally launching the continuation of the school-based immunization program or 'Bakuna-Eskwela: Libreng Bakuna, Iwas Pag-alalama' in Quezon province.
The program aims to pave the way for the delivery of vaccination programs in schools against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Measles, Rubella (MR), and Tetanus Diphtheria (Td), protecting youth and communities against vaccine-preventable diseases.
The kick-off activity was led by Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) Philippines in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Quezon through the Provincial Health Office, local government of Sampaloc, DOH-CHD 4-A, Quezon PDOHO, AMHOP Quezon, and Quezon DepEd.
During the event, 400 young women aged nine (9) to fourteen (14) years old from nine (9) public and six (6) private elementary schools were vaccinated with the HPV vaccine. Additionally, a Ceremonial Vaccination of MR and Td was conducted for Grade 1 to Grade 7 students.
The local government of Sampaloc, under the leadership of Mayor Angelo Devanadera, aims to make the town cervical cancer-free and achieve a 90% full vaccination rate for young women with the HPV vaccine by fifteen (15) years of age.
The provincial government, led by Quezon Governor Angelina "Doktora Helen" Tan, expressed joy and support for the program's implementation in Quezon. As a health advocate and doctor, Governor Tan prioritizes health under her HEALING Agenda and wishes for energetic and healthy citizens throughout the province, achievable through providing necessary vaccines to young students against various diseases.
DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa previously highlighted the drop in the country's national status of fully immunized children due to the recent pandemic, emphasizing the importance of catch-up plans like Vacuna-Eskwela. School-based immunization will officially begin nationwide in October 2024.
The launch served as a powerful reminder of the importance of early vaccination, regular screenings, and timely treatment in combating cervical cancer. It also highlighted the province's commitment to protecting the health of its young people.
During the launch, the Mayor shared the community's growing concern about cervical cancer, stating, "We've heard the mothers' calls loud and clear. Their desire to protect their daughters from cervical cancer is a testament to their love and dedication. We immediately took action and coordinated with the Governor to make this happen."
He also expressed his deep gratitude for the support received from both the Governor and the Congressman in making the program a reality. "We are incredibly thankful for the Governor's swift response and the Congressman's unwavering support. Their commitment to the health and well-being of our constituents is truly commendable."
The Mayor also proudly highlighted Sampaloc's proactive approach to public health. "Even though Sampaloc is a fifth-class municipality, we are determined to be at the forefront of this initiative. We want to set an example for other communities and demonstrate that even with limited resources, we can prioritize the health of our children."
He further added, "We are not just focusing on our young people. We also have health programs underway for adults, ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the care they need."
"We are excited to restart this program and continue our mission to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases, especially HPV, which is directly linked to cervical cancer," said a representative from the Provincial Health Office.
The World Health Organization's global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer underscores the importance of early vaccination. The SBI program aligns with this strategy, emphasizing the need to vaccinate girls aged 9-13.
The launch event saw the participation of public health officials, local government representatives, DepEd representatives, and medical professionals, all reiterating the crucial role of immunization in protecting the health of young Filipinas. Following the launch, the program will be expanded province-wide, targeting XXX female students aged 9 to 14 in public schools.
"We believe that ensuring the health of our learners is essential to their overall success in education," said a representative from the Department of Education. "Through the resumption of the school-based immunization program, we are not only protecting students from preventable diseases but also helping create an environment where they can thrive academically without the threat of illness."
The return of the SBI program is particularly crucial in light of recent outbreaks of other vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and pertussis. Officials stressed that all immunizations, including HPV, measles-rubella, and tetanus-diphtheria, will resume under the guidance of the DOH and DepEd, following proper dosages and schedules.
"Collaboration between the DOH, DepEd, local governments, and community partners is key to ensuring that public health is achieved at the grassroots level," said a representative from the DOH regional office. "By working together, we can make sure that programs like school-based immunization reach every child, protecting them from disease and benefiting the health of all Filipinos."
The Quezon Provincial Health Office and the Schools Division Office of Quezon are working closely with local government units, medical societies, and advocacy groups to ensure the program's success and widespread participation. The relaunch of the SBI program, with its focus on HPV vaccination, represents a powerful stride towards a future where cervical cancer is no longer a threat to the women of Quezon Province and the Philippines.
No comments