When it comes to conversations about sex, including diseases that may come with it, a lot of Filipinos usually shy away from the topic as it’s something that is usually classified as “immoral” to be brought up publicly. May it be a religion-related practice or traditional mindset passed down to generations, we should start changing this practice and start educating people. If you’re not comfortable talking about the act itself, then maybe we can start with possible health-related issues that people should be wary of.

As the importance of vaccination takes center stage, MSD in the Philippines is doubling down against vaccine-preventable diseases through its Guard Against HPV campaign. The focus is on human papillomavirus (HPV)—a very common virus that affects up to 85 percent of sexually active men and women at one point in their lives, that may cause genital warts and severe HPV-related diseases such as genital and anal cancers.^[1] Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself from these HPV-related diseases.

“HPV infection can easily go unnoticed. Infections that cause genital warts or, worse, cancer, may stay hidden for several years before symptoms start to appear.^[2] By that time, it may already be too late,” said Dr. Mary Ann Galang-Escalona, Country Medical Lead of MSD in the Philippines. “That’s why for HPV-related diseases, prevention is far better than cure. Families as well as people seeking relationships must take every opportunity to keep safe from HPV to avoid its more serious health implications.”

Preventive steps

The Department of Health (DOH) says that HPV vaccines should be part of a comprehensive and coordinated strategy to address cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases among Filipinos. The DOH notes that HPV accounts for a majority of cervical cancer cases, and many young adults also suffer from genital warts.^[3]

In a 2019 report by the HPV Information Centre, cervical cancer ranks second among the leading types of female cancers in the Philippines, and third among the most common cancer deaths affecting Filipino women.^[4]

Alongside vaccination, sexually active women must still undergo regular pap smears to check for precancerous lesions caused by HPV, according to the DOH. These lesions may progress to cancer if not detected and treated early.^[5]

Based on DOH guidelines as per recommendation of the World Health Organization, HPV vaccination can protect children ages 9 to 13 before being exposed to the virus through sexual activity.^[6]

To ensure that adolescents receive protection against HPV and HPV-related diseases in later life, the DOH has included HPV vaccination in its school-based immunization program. Through the program, Grade 4 female learners in public schools may get the vaccine as long as they have parental consent.^[7]

“Taking steps to protect yourself isn’t only about personal safety. It’s also about protecting others, the people we care about,” Galang-Escalona said. “Vaccination reduces the number of circulating viruses in the community. This benefits everyone—especially those who are vulnerable—by lowering the risk for infections and developing serious illnesses that could have otherwise been prevented. By staying safe, we keep each other safe.”

Learn more about how to protect yourself from HPV by following MSD’s Guard Against HPV page on Facebook and Instagram.

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^[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reasons to Get Vaccinated. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine/six-reasons.html. Date accessed 29 March 2021.

^[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Genital HPV Infection – Fact Sheet. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm. Date accessed 22 March 2021.

^[3] Department of Health. Guidelines in the Implementation of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination. Retrieved from: https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/health_programs/DM%202015-0316%20Guidelines%20in%20the%20Implementation%20of%20HPV%20Vaccination_0.pdf. Date accessed 13 April 2021.

^[4] Bruni L, Albero G, Serrano B, Mena M, Gómez D, Muñoz J, Bosch FX, de Sanjosé S. ICO/IARC Information Centre on HPV and Cancer (HPV Information Centre). Human Papillomavirus and Related Diseases in Philippines. Summary Report 17 June 2019. Date accessed 13 April 2021.

^[5] Department of Health. Guidelines in the Implementation of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination. Retrieved from: https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/health_programs/DM%202015-0316%20Guidelines%20in%20the%20Implementation%20of%20HPV%20Vaccination_0.pdf. Date accessed 13 April 2021.

^[6] Department of Health. Guidelines in the Implementation of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination. Retrieved from: https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/health_programs/DM%202015-0316%20Guidelines%20in%20the%20Implementation%20of%20HPV%20Vaccination_0.pdf. Date accessed 13 April 2021.

^[7] Department of Health. “School-based Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Immunization Launched in Mandaluyong City.” Retrieved from:  https://doh.gov.ph/node/10736. Date accessed 22 March 2021.

Thumbnail from Guard Against HPV Facebook page.