The urban glow in the Philippines is a stunning sight. But if it is bathed in shades of teal, it is a symbol of commitment to address the growing burden of cervical cancer.
Last June 9, 5 historical landmarks and 13 hospitals within and outside Metro Manila have shined a spotlight on cervical cancer by glowing up in teal as an act of solidarity in the call to eliminate cervical cancer through multi-stakeholder collaboration.
In line with the “Women Bloom in SolidariTeal” event organized by healthcare company MSD in the Philippines, the Manila City Government lit up key landmarks which include the Rizal Monument, Kartilya ng Katipunan Fountain, Manila Clock Tower, and Rajah Sulayman Park. The Quezon City Government also expressed its support by lighting up the Quezon Memorial Circle.
The Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa, also glowed teal to shed light on cervical cancer awareness, along with partner hospitals from the Mount Grace network, namely:
- ManilaMed in Paco, Manila
- Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City
- Fe Del Mundo Medical Center in Quezon City
- VRP Medical in Mandaluyong
- Grace Medical Center in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan
- Mother Teresa of Calcutta Medical Center in Pampanga
- Healthserv Los Baños Medical Center in Los Baños, Laguna
- Westlake Medical Center, Laguna
- Mary Mediatrix Medical Center in Lipa, Batangas
- Lorma Medical Center in San Fernando, La Union
- The Doctors’ Hospital in Bacolod, Negros Occidental
- Ciudad Medical Zamboanga
A woman’s death is both a personal tragedy and a sad, unnecessary loss to her family and community. Every day in the Philippines, close to 11 women succumb to cervical cancer. This means that every two hours, somebody loses their wife, mother, daughter, sister, or friend to cervical cancer.
These deaths are unnecessary because there is compelling evidence that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer if it is detected early and managed effectively.
Knowing the stakes associated with this disease, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Strategy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in 2020. Also known as the “90-70-90 Strategy”, this three-pronged approach focuses on the following health outcomes:
- 90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15
- 70% of women screened for HPV infection and cervical cancer using a high-performance test by the age of 35, and again by the age of 45
- 90% of women with pre-cancer treated, and 90% of women with invasive cancer managed
Despite its prevalence, cervical cancer doesn’t garner as much attention and support as other women’s cancers, such as breast cancer. That is why, initiatives like the #SolidariTeal event show that cervical cancer is not a one-woman battle. All stakeholders need to work together to provide girls and women access to preventive tools, as well as providing cancer patients access to innovative treatments through the Cancer Law.
In the fight against this disease, there is solidarity in numbers. This sparks hope in saving lives and supporting the well-being of women and their families across the nation.
Together, let’s make a difference and eliminate cervical cancer. Join our movement and help promote a safer and healthier future for all Filipino girls and women. Act now by signing and sharing this petition: https://www.change.org/p/it-is-time-to-take-action-against-cervical-cancer
