by Tenth Id

CAMP PANACAN, Davao City- The Philippine Army recently held its first set of free anti-cervical cancer vaccination congruent to its program for Gender and Development.

Major Rosa Ma Cristina R Manuel, Executive Officer of 10th CMO Battalion receives the 1st Doze of Cervical Cancer Vaccine from a military nurse, Pvt Ersel Filipinas of the 10th Medical Dispensary. one of the Philippine Army’s program on GAD, is to ensure that its Female Soldiers receives the appropriate health care by providing Cervical Cancer Vaccine among its Female Soldiers who are performing field and garrison duties. this effort is also in line with the upcoming celebration of the International Womens Month on March 2012. A total of 84 female soldiers and 12 female civilian employees from 10th ID and EastMinCom received the 1st doze of the cervical cancer vaccine at the Old Agila Blg, Panacan, Davao City administered by Maj Romel Kho, CO of 10ID Medical Dispensary and Dr. Carol Flavier after a brief orientation.

On Wednesday, a total of 84 female soldiers and 12 female civilian employees were vaccinated in the hope to protect them from possible transmission of human papillomavirus known to many as HPV.In a discussion, Dr. Carol Flavier of Davao Doctors Hospital said that HPV infections are common. however, it is generally unknown due to lack of information and education. “Twelve women die every day with HPV because they are unaware that they have it”, she said. She added that most infections occur without any symptoms and sometimes go away within two years. She clarified though that those who have strong immune system often have higher chance to tolerate the symptoms and eventually get away with it.according to her, there are over 100 types of HPV which are viruses that can infect many parts of the body. Some types are sexually transmitted causing warts and sometimes cancer. Thus, she said, it is important for women to follow the ABCD’s in avoiding and preventing said virus. First, is abstinence since it is sexually transmitted in common; second is being faithful to sexual partner; third are circumcision and the use of condom and lastly is doctor’s call.“We also encourage women who are sexually active to have Pap smear once a year since they are more prone to HPV”, she said.  She added that among the types of cancers, so far only lung and cervix cancer has the vaccine.PA will have another schedule for those who missed the vaccination aiming to fully accommodate 36 female officers, 52 enlisted women and 12 civilian employees coming both from the Eastern Mindanao Command and 10th Infantry Division.for those who received the first doze of the vaccine, the next set will be on March 25 and July 25 comprising the three sets of vaccination which is in line with the upcoming celebration of the International Women’s Month on March. Released by: Maj. Rosa Ma. Cristina R. ManuelBattalion Executive Officer10th CMO Battalion