Cervical cancer, also known as cancer of the cervix, is the second leading cause of death among Filipino women. In 2005, at least 10 Filipino women died from cervical cancer which is caused by the Human Papillomavirus or HPV. (2005 Facts and Estimates by the Philippine Cancer Society, Inc.) HPV is a common virus that affects men and women and some types can cause cervical cancer or abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix that could turn into cancer. 

The 1st World Malaria Day will be celebrated on April 25, 2008, a day of unified commemoration of the global effort to provide effective control of malaria around the world. The theme for World Malaria Day is “Malaria – a disease without borders”. This theme emphasizes the need for global collaboration in the fight against malaria, including the need for cross-border strategies, well documented good practice and coordinated action at all levels – international, regional, national and local.

Garantisadong Pambata is an institutionalized Preschoolers Health Campaign nationwide where a package of health services and relevant health information is delivered twice a year to under-5 year old children

Health Promotional Materials:
Leaflets for LGU | Leaflets for Mothers | Streamer

March is Rabies Awareness Month and September 28 is World Rabies Day!

Rabies is 100% fatal viral disease affecting the nervous system of humans and animals. It remains a serious public health problem in the country which causes the death of between 200 - 500 Filipinos annually, and the Philippines ranked No. 6 among the countries with the highest incidence of rabies in the world. A three-pronged approach – dog immunization, responsible pet ownership and dog-bite victim immunization – is still recommended for all government units to control rabies in their areas of responsibility.

Among the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) is the reduction of maternal mortality ratios by three-quarters and under-five mortality by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015.  This stems from the fact that pregnancy and childbirth are the leading causes of death, disease and disability among women of reproductive age in developing countries. 

Frequently Asked Questions on Leprosy

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s Disease is a chronic,mildly communicable disease caused by infection from Mycobacterium leprae, a rod-shaped, acid-fast bacillus. It primarily affects the skin; the mucous membranes, especially those in the nose; and the peripheral nervous system.

Leprosy exacts a high physical and social toll. If left untreated, it can result in deformity and disability. In many societies, people with leprosy have been made outcasts from their communities.

Cancer is a major public health threat worldwide. It is a killer disease when not detected early and poses burden on patient, families, communities, sectors of the society and the national development of the country. Every year, 6 million worldwide suffer with cancer pain. Every year, about 200,000 Filipinos suffer from cancer pain in spite of the availability of well established, simple and cost effective methods of cancer pain relief.

Cancer ranks the 3rd consistenly in the ten leading causes of mortality. It is common in all age groups and both sexes with the highest number of deaths among males (Philippine Health Statistics-DOH, 1999-2003).