Health workers and the Quezon City Health Department, together with the Health Department (DOH) and the Labor Department (DOLE), has launched a campaign for the Cervical Cancer Elimination (CCE) in the Workplace.
Held at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City, the campaign was jumpstarted by the Women Workers for Health Empowerment Network (WHEN), in partnership with Jhpiego—an organization funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and was originally known as the Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics.
“Since 2021, Jhpiego has worked closely with DOH, local government health offices, the private sector, and civil society organizations, introducing innovative approaches like HPV DNA testing through self-collection,” said Dr. Ingrid Magnata, Jhpiego Country Program Manager.
Magnata underscored that regular cervical cancer screening is not just a health measure. “It is an act of empowerment and self-care. By taking charge of your health, you contribute to the well-being of your community and future generations. This aligns with WHO’s strategy to eliminate cervical cancer globally by 2030.”
“Jhpiego is committed to promoting women’s health globally. The Cervical Cancer Elimination in the Workplace Campaign is a testament to that commitment. Together with our partners, we aim to create a workplace where every woman’s health is a priority,” she added.
STRONGER TOGETHER
With the theme, “Stronger Together than Cancer,” the campaign aims to create awareness of the urgent issue of cervical cancer, which claims the lives of 11 Filipino women daily.
The initiative aligns with DOLE’s workplace cancer prevention guidelines and contributes to DOH’s national cancer control program, focusing on improving screening coverage and providing CCE-related information and services in the workplace.
At a press conference during the launch, WHEN convenor Dr. Julie Caguiat emphasized the milestone established by the campaign in the community.
“By collaborating with different community partners and women workers, we aim to create a healthier workplace and contribute to the broader effort of eliminating cervical cancer. Prevention starts by empowering women to take charge of their health, and together, we can make a difference,” Caguiat said.
Jacq Ruiz, WHEN spokesperson, remarked: “Today marks the beginning of a transformative journey as WHEN joins hands with women to create empowered communities. Through collective efforts, we strive to enhance health empowerment for women workers, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to protect themselves and their communities.”
“The Stronger Together than Cancer campaign will popularize women-led and worker-led initiatives for improved sexual and reproductive health outcomes, as well as safer and healthier workplaces. It will likewise provide crucial information and services to women workers facing access challenges,” added Dr. Julie Caguiat, WHEN Convenor.
FREE SCREENING, TESTING
The launch conducted comprehensive free screening, using the newest technology of HPV DNA through self-collection, with the support of ROCHE. It introduced HPV DNA testing as a secondary prevention strategy, aiming to simplify cervical cancer screening for women.
The event also featured key discussions on Filipino working women’s challenges, the burden of cervical cancer in the Philippines, ongoing CCE initiatives, and the establishment of a workplace cancer control program.
A commitment signing and a Q&A session signaled united efforts towards the cause, recognizing women’s critical role in achieving safe, healthy workplaces, and marked a significant step towards preventing and treating cervical cancer.
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