The launch of the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) School-Based Immunization program took place at the Palawan National School under the theme “Growing Up Without HPV.”
Led by the Department of Health – Center for Health Development MIMAROPA (DOH CHD MIMAROPA), in collaboration with the City Health Office, the City Government of Puerto Princesa, the City Department of Education (DepEd), and MSD, the HPV vaccination initiative targeted girls aged 9-14 from various schools in the city on September 20.
The goal of this widespread vaccination campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of HPV vaccination in protecting girls against HPV infections, including cervical cancer.
Approximately 1,363 girls aged 9-14, with parental consent, received the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) on-site during the launch event. Additionally, off-site vaccination sessions were conducted in other city barangays.
Vice Mayor Nancy Socrates, who shared a message during the program, expressed her personal passion for the issue of cancer, as she herself is a cancer survivor. She emphasized the significance of the opportunity provided to young girls today to receive a vaccine that can greatly reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
Vice Mayor Socrates encouraged the youth to take full advantage of such opportunities, and she announced her plans to allocate funds for similar initiatives in the coming year.
As a symbol of support for the HPV vaccination campaign, a commitment exercise was conducted, where stakeholders assembled the puzzle pieces of the SHIELD (Strategic Human Papilloma Virus Immunization & Education to Lower Disease) logo.