CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) -- The Department of Health Center for Health and Development MIMAROPA (DOH-CHD MIMAROPA) on March 13 officially launched a community and school-based immunization campaign in Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro.
The campaign, a key component of the Adolescent and Health Development Program of the department, carries the theme "Sa Aking Paglaki, Walang HPV" signifying a strong commitment to safeguarding the health of adolescents against HPV-related diseases.
HPV is recognized as a major cause of cervical cancer, among other diseases, and poses a significant threat to public health worldwide. The initiative by DOH-CHD Mimaropa seeks to address this threat head-on by providing free HPV vaccinations to adolescents in schools and communities throughout Pinamalayan. The campaign is particularly targeted at girls aged 9 to 14 years, as early immunization is crucial for effective prevention against HPV infections.
Female students from the municipality of Pinamalayan showed active support during the conduct of the school-based immunization campaign in said municipality. (Photo from DOH-CHD Mimaropa)
During the campaign's official launch Undersecretary of Health Dr. Nestor F. Santiago along with DOH-CHD Mimaropa Regional Director Dr. Mario S. Baquilod emphasized the importance of early intervention and the vaccine's role in preventing potentially life-threatening diseases associated with HPV. Both health officials also signified their support for the immunization program.
In addition to the vaccinations, the campaign will include educational initiatives designed to raise awareness about HPV, the importance of immunization, and how it fits into overall adolescent health and well-being.
Among the schools in the municipality of Pinamalayan that joined the activity are Dona Asuncion Reyes Memorial Elementary School, Papandayan Elementary School; Nabuslot National High School, Aristeo Baldos Sr. High School; Quinabigan National High School, Pambisan National High School; Pili National High School, Cacawan High School; Ranzo High School, Immaculate heart of Mary Academy; and Ema Emits College Philippines.
This initiative, according to DOH, is also part of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) agenda in ensuring that the Philippines will be cancer-free in the future. (JJGS/PIA Mimaropa - Oriental Mindoro)
BANNER PHOTO COURTESY OF DOH MIMAROPA
