Cervical cancer is the fourth most prevalent cancer among women globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In the Philippines, it ranks as the second most common cancer among women, following breast cancer. Annually, approximately 7,897 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 4,052 succumb to the disease shortly after diagnosis, indicating issues with late detection and treatment. These statistics underscore the significant public health burden posed by cervical cancer in the country.
In 2020, the WHO launched a global strategy aimed at eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem. This strategy sets forth the 90-70-90 targets to be achieved by 2030: (a) 90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by age 15; (b) 70% of women screened with a high-performance test by ages 35 and 45; and (c) 90% of women diagnosed with cervical cancer receiving appropriate treatment. Achieving these targets is crucial to reducing the incidence rate to below 4 per 100,000 women.
The Department of Health (DOH) has implemented significant interventions and policy measures to address cervical cancer, including updated screening and treatment protocols and a focus on strengthening primary and secondary prevention. Despite these efforts, gaps remain across the care continuum, from vaccination to screening, treatment, and palliative care.
Jhpiego Philippines, a long-term partner of the DOH, works with the DOH, local health officials, private sector, and civil society to advance country commitments to WHO’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as public health burden by 2030. We support country-level activities to: (1) optimize coverage, utilization, and impact of primary prevention among adolescent girls at the community- and school-based settings, (2) increase demand and uptake for cervical cancer screening services among women aged 30-65 years old, and (3) increase access to optimal cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment technologies. Current initiatives, such as the HAPPI project, CLAMS, and the SUCCESS project, aim to enhance HPV vaccination advocacy and support the national scale-up of screening and precancer treatment services.
The SUCCESS project funded by the Unitaid investment for cervical cancer elimination, led by Expertise France, and implemented at country level by Jhpiego, will support this consultancy.
Responsibilities
1. Conduct a situational analysis of current cervical cancer prevention and control efforts.
• Data Collection and Review: Gather and analyze existing data on cervical cancer incidence, mortality, screening and precancer/cancer treatment rates, vaccination coverage and access to palliative care. This activity aims to identify current trends and gaps in cervical cancer prevention and control, providing a comprehensive overview of the current situation.
• Resource and Capacity Assessment: Evaluate the availability and capacity of healthcare infrastructure, workforce, and funding, dedicated to cervical cancer prevention and control. This activity aims to determine the strengths, weaknesses and/or gaps of the existing system, informing the development of targeted interventions.
• Policy and Program Analysis: Review existing policies, guidelines, and programs related to cervical cancer prevention and control. This initiative focuses on assessing the alignment of current efforts with best practices and international standards, identifying opportunities for policy enhancement and program optimization.
2. Engage Stakeholder at all stages of the strategy development: Consult and collaborate with key stakeholders, including healthcare providers, policymakers, and community leaders, women and patients through interviews, focus group discussions, meetings and workshops. This initiative seeks to gather insights and perspectives on the effectiveness of current programs and identify areas for improvement; and to build consensus and shared ownership on the strategy to operationalize elimination of cervical cancer.
3. Develop an operational plan for cervical cancer control and prevention.
• Goal Setting and Prioritization: Define clear, measurable goals and prioritize key areas of interventions This activity ensures that the strategic plan is focused and aligned with national and international targets, guiding efforts towards the most impactful outcomes.
• Resource Allocation and Budget Planning: Review the report on “Costs of scaling up Cervical Cancer Screening and Precancer Treatment services in the Philippines and use the C4P tool for identifying and allocating necessary resources, including funding, personnel, and infrastructure inclusive of data capture and use, to support the implementation of the strategic plan. This activity ensures that the plan is realistic and sustainable, with a clear roadmap for mobilizing and utilizing resources effectively.
• Monitoring and Evaluation Framework: Develop a robust framework for monitoring progress and evaluating the impact of the strategic plan. This initiative focuses on establishing indicators and mechanisms for regular assessment, enabling continuous improvement and accountability in cervical cancer control and prevention efforts. Additionally engage with relevant units and offices within the DOH involved in the HIS to complement the monitoring of outcomes of the strategic initiatives.
• Experience
o At least 10 years' professional experience in public health, including at least 5 years' experience in cancer control
o A minimum of 5 years’ experience in evidence review and synthesis for policy guidance
o Experience of at least 5 years in program development, evaluation and data analysis
o Experience of at least 5 years in supporting the implementation of a continuum of care for cervical cancer prevention and control
o Experience in health strategy development and stakeholder engagement.
• Skills/ Technical skills and knowledge:
o Advanced writing and communication skills particularly for oral presentations in meetings and events; and written communication in the form of technical briefings, reports and donor reporting.
o Demonstrated Effective Training and Facilitation Skills
o Updated technical knowledge and practices in cervical cancer control and prevention
• Language requirements:
o Advance Level Verbal and Written English or C1, C2 CEFR grade
o Native Speaker Pilipino/Tagalog
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