CDC and Jhpiego Unveil Critical Findings from HPV Vaccination Study in the Philippines
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Jhpiego, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University, have successfully concluded the multisectoral National Dissemination Forum, presenting results from the field testing and validation of the Behavioral and Social Drivers (BeSD) Tool for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. This comprehensive study involved detailed surveys and in-depth interviews with parents, teachers, community health workers, and adolescent girls to deeply explore the factors influencing decisions around HPV vaccination.
Collaborative Implementation and Research Scope
Under the Enhanced Global Health Security (EGHS) project, Jhpiego spearheaded this learning initiative as technical assistance to the Department of Health’s Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) and the National Immunization Program (NIP) of the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau (DPCB). The effort was conducted in close collaboration with the Department of Education – Bureau of Learner Support Services (BLSS), showcasing a robust partnership across health and education sectors.
The BeSD Tool, originally developed in 2022 for routine immunization by the Global Working Group on Behavioral and Social Drivers of Vaccination—which included the CDC—was adapted for the Philippine context in 2024 through a partnership between Jhpiego and CDC. Field testing and validation activities were carried out in multiple locations, including Currimao and Laoag City in Ilocos Norte, as well as municipalities in the Province of Abra, Santiago City in Cagayan Valley, and Navotas City in Metro Manila.
Key Findings and Insights from the Study
Data collection was co-implemented by Jhpiego’s academic research partner, De La Salle University – Social Development Research Center (DLSU-SDRC), across participating local government units. Dr. Zaldy Collado, Project Lead of the BeSD Tool at DLSU-SDRC, highlighted the study’s revelations: "The study revealed critical behavioral and social factors influencing HPV vaccination decisions. While awareness and motivation were high, gaps in vaccine uptake persisted due to practical barriers such as parent availability, stock-outs, absenteeism, and occasional service-quality challenges. These insights will guide more targeted, evidence-informed strategies to improve vaccination coverage."
Findings indicated high levels of awareness and positive attitudes toward HPV vaccination, with many parents recognizing its importance in preventing cervical cancer. However, practical and operational challenges significantly contributed to missed vaccination opportunities. Schools emerged as central facilitators in vaccination activities, while community health workers played a crucial role in outreach, reminders, and family coordination. Maternal decision-making was prominent, though household dynamics sometimes influenced final outcomes.
Expert Perspectives and Future Directions
Dr. Chung-Won Lee, Immunization Program Director at the Global Immunization Division of the CDC Philippines Country Office, emphasized the global significance: "Understanding behavioral and social drivers of vaccination allows programs to design more responsive and effective immunization strategies. The Philippines’ leadership in field-testing the BeSD Tool contributes valuable evidence to global immunization efforts."
Elaine Charurat, Project Director at Jhpiego USA, added: "The forum highlights how multisectoral collaboration and data-driven approaches strengthen HPV vaccination programs. Our partners across health, education, and local government are essential to turning these insights into action and ensuring wider coverage." Dr. Ingrid Magnata, Country Program Manager at Jhpiego Philippines, noted: "The initiative marks an important step toward advancing evidence-informed, people-centered immunization strategies and supporting the Philippines’ commitment to eliminating cervical cancer as a public health concern."
Actionable Recommendations and Commitment
The dissemination forum gathered representatives from national government agencies, local government units, development partners, and education stakeholders to translate findings into actionable strategies. Key recommendations include:
- Strengthening catch-up vaccination mechanisms to address missed opportunities.
- Improving stock forecasting and supply management to prevent shortages.
- Enhancing risk communication efforts to boost public trust and awareness.
- Equipping frontline workers with practical job aids for better service delivery.
- Sustaining multisectoral coordination to increase HPV vaccination coverage nationwide.
The partners reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration, aiming to strengthen HPV vaccination coverage and protect more Filipino girls from cervical cancer, underscoring a shared dedication to public health advancement.
