Challenges in HPV Vaccination Efforts in Naga City, Philippines
Lack of supply, misinformation hinder HPV vaccination in Naga
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In Naga City, Philippines, HPV vaccination rates have dropped to 40% due to supply shortages and misinformation. Health officials emphasize the preventability of cervical cancer, which affects thousands of women annually. Local leaders aim to improve vaccination rates through education and addressing supply chain issues.
- 01HPV vaccination rates in Naga City fell from 43% in 2024 to 40% in 2025, with only 760 out of 1,884 eligible students vaccinated last year.
- 02Health Undersecretary Glenn Mathew Baggao highlighted that cervical cancer leads to approximately 4,000 deaths annually in the Philippines.
- 03Naga City conducts free HPV vaccinations targeting Grade 4 female students aged 9 to 14, supported by the Department of Health.
- 04Misinformation on social media has led to vaccine hesitancy among parents, affecting public confidence in vaccination.
- 05Mayor Leni Robredo plans to raise vaccination coverage to 60-70% this year while aiming for the World Health Organization's targets for HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening.
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Naga City, Philippines, is facing significant challenges in increasing HPV vaccination rates, which have declined from 43% in 2024 to 40% in 2025. Health Undersecretary Glenn Mathew Baggao reported that cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer deaths among Filipino women, with about 4,000 fatalities annually. The city offers free HPV vaccinations to Grade 4 female students, aiming to protect them against cervical cancer caused by HPV. However, only 760 out of 1,884 eligible students received the vaccine last year, largely due to insufficient supply and rampant misinformation. Parents are hesitant to vaccinate their children, influenced by false information circulating on social media. Mayor Leni Robredo has called on the Department of Health (DOH) to improve the supply chain and ensure adequate vaccine availability. The city government is also committed to enhancing public awareness about HPV and cervical cancer, with a goal to increase vaccination rates to 60-70% this year and ultimately achieve the World Health Organization's targets for HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening.
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Improving HPV vaccination rates can significantly reduce cervical cancer cases and deaths among women in Naga City.
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