ILOILO – After joining global health leaders in a high-level regional meeting in Bangkok, the Province of Iloilo is preparing to introduce new, internationally tested approaches to strengthen its fight against cervical cancer and HIV.
Key officials from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (PHO)—Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon, Dr. Rodney Labis, and Dr. Francisco Ronnel Quiñon—took part in the Regional Collaboration Meeting themed “Advancing Health Equity and Enhancing Synergies – Integrating Cervical Cancer and HIV/AIDS Initiatives” held from October 22 to 27.
The gathering, hosted by Cancer Warriors Foundation, Expertise France, and Unitaid, brought together health experts from across the globe to explore how countries can combine cervical cancer and HIV programs to reach more women and improve health outcomes.
According to Dr. Quiñon, the experience was invaluable: “Engaging in these discussions ensures we bring home concrete strategies adaptable to Iloilo’s needs.”
A Dual Public Health Challenge
Cervical cancer remains a major threat worldwide, claiming over 300,000 women’s lives each year, based on World Health Organization data. HIV, meanwhile, continues to affect millions globally. Women living with HIV face an especially higher risk of cervical cancer, underscoring the need for health systems that can address both conditions together rather than separately.
Global Lessons, Local Potential
In Bangkok, the Iloilo delegation studied how other countries streamline services—linking HIV testing with cervical cancer screening and maximizing health personnel, laboratory resources, and community outreach.
Experts at the conference emphasized the importance of:
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integrated clinics and health campaigns,
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stronger government policies supporting combined services,
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grassroots engagement to reduce stigma, and
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better data sharing for stronger evidence-based programs.
Moving Forward With Renewed Momentum
Inspired by successful global models, Iloilo’s health leaders are now exploring how these innovations can be adapted through local partnerships, policy reforms, and expanded community programs.
“Aligning with proven strategies from other countries will help us create more accessible and equitable preventive health services,” Dr. Quiñon added.
The PHO team is also set to continue deepening their expertise at the upcoming International Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Conference, where global best practices on vaccination, early detection, and community-based prevention will be highlighted.
With continuous collaboration and an openness to innovation, Iloilo aims to strengthen its response to both cervical cancer and HIV—moving toward a more inclusive, integrated model of women’s health that resonates with global standards while remaining tailored to local realities.
FEATURED PHOTO – Adopted from PANAY NEWS
Iloilo Provincial Health Office chief Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon (second from left), Dr. Rodney Labis, and Dr. Francisco Ronnel Quiñon represent the province at the “Regional Collaboration Meeting on Advancing Health Equity and Enhancing Synergies: Integrating Cervical Cancer and HIV/AIDS Initiatives” held at the Westin Grande Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, from October 22 to 27, 2025. ILOILO PROVINCIAL HEALTH OFFICE PHOTO