DOH Launch of Policy Statement

Babae, Mahalaga Ka

The Department of Health (DOH) celebrated the month of May as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in the Philippines. In collaboration with CECAP, they held a press conference on May 12, 2008 with a theme, “Babae, Mahalaga Ka” which emphasizes the significance of a woman in the lives of everyone. In addition, it was also during the event that the policy statements for the Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control in the Philippines were presented in the public. This is another milestone for the CECAP program given that several months ago, members of CECAP Committee on Policy and Guidelines had proposed amendments to the existing DOH policy on cervical cancer prevention and control, which is Administrative Order 2005-006. It was from the recommended revisions that the policy statements were based.

For full copy of the policy statements, please refer to Policy and Guidelines. During the presentation, DOH has supported the method of linking VIA screening to treatment using cryotherapy in a single visit approach (SVA). The DOH Assistant Secretary, Dr. Elmer Punzalan, presented that SVA (VIA, cryotherapy, counseling) will be performed by trained doctors who have the competency requirements. Trained nurses and midwives can also do the procedure under the supervision of the trained doctor.

This event also gathered together CECAP steering Committee members led by the Department of Health. Other partners who are part of the CECAP Network Alliance came and supported the said initiative.