Cebu City: Free testing for human papillomaviruses (HPV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was provided during the launch of the Cervical Cancer Elimination Campaign at a mall here on Thursday. HPV DNA testing is a medical test aimed to detect the presence of HPV genetic material in cells collected from the cervix.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) and the Cebu City Health Department (CCHD) spearheaded the event alongside the non-profit organization Jhpiego, through the Centralized Model for HPV DNA Screening (CLAMS) project. Jhpiego also donated thermal ablation devices to selected CCHD primary care centers.
Cebu City Health Officer Dr. Daisy Villa emphasized the city's commitment to providing accessible cervical cancer screenings and education to women, ensuring that life-saving services are available to all, irrespective of background.
Philippine Statistics Authority data indicate that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the Philippines and is the leading cause of death among women living with HIV. DOH-7 regional director Dr. Joshua Brillantes highlighted the preventable nature of cervical cancer and the importance of early screening and vaccination in saving lives.
HPV, a prevalent sexually transmitted infection, includes high-risk strains such as HPV-16 and HPV-18, which can lead to cervical cancer. Dr. Ingrid Magnata, Country Program Manager of Jhpiego Philippines, stated that the campaign aims to enhance access to cervical cancer screening services and reinforce primary health care programs, contributing to the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health issue.