BANGKOK, THAILAND – Health leaders, policymakers, clinicians, and civil society organizations from across the Asia-Pacific convened in Bangkok, Thailand from October 21–28, 2025 for the Regional Collaboration Meeting: Advancing Health Equity and Enhancing Synergies – Integrating Cervical Cancer and HIV/AIDS Initiatives.
The meeting was jointly organized by Cancer Warriors Foundation, Expertise France, and Unitaid, reflecting a shared commitment to accelerate progress toward cervical cancer elimination through integrated, equitable, and evidence-based approaches.
Integrating Two Critical Public Health Priorities
Cervical cancer and HIV/AIDS remain deeply interconnected public health challenges—particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Women living with HIV face a significantly higher risk of persistent HPV infection and faster progression to cervical cancer, underscoring the urgent need for integrated service delivery.
The Bangkok meeting served as a regional platform to:
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Share country experiences on integrating cervical cancer screening within HIV programs
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Explore innovative models for reaching unserved and underserved populations
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Align strategies with the WHO 90-70-90 cervical cancer elimination targets
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Strengthen regional collaboration across Asia-Pacific health systems
By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the meeting emphasized that health equity is best achieved when services are integrated, decentralized, and responsive to women’s real-life contexts.
Iloilo Province on the Global Stage
The Province of Iloilo played a prominent role in the discussions, represented by:
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Dr. Ma. Socorro C. Quiñon, Provincial Health Officer II
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Dr. Rodney R. Labis, Provincial Health Officer I
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Dr. Francisco Ronnel J. Quiñon, Chief of Hospital II, Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital
Their participation highlighted Iloilo’s proactive leadership in advancing cervical cancer prevention and HIV program integration—particularly within geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).
As part of the Philippine delegation, the Iloilo team shared local experiences and gained insights that will directly inform the implementation of the SUCCESS-FAP Project in the province’s 5th District, including the municipalities of Carles, Estancia, and Lemery.
Linking Regional Dialogue to Local Action
The regional meeting directly complements ongoing work in Western Visayas, where the Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH WVCHD), Cancer Warriors Foundation, and the Iloilo Provincial Government are collaborating under SUCCESS-FAP.
Through a screen-and-treat model using HPV-DNA testing and thermal ablation, roving teams are being deployed to reach approximately 17,200 women aged 30–49 in unserved and underserved island municipalities. This tripartite collaboration demonstrates how global strategy can be translated into concrete, community-level impact.
The Bangkok discussions reinforced the importance of:
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Strong referral networks
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Decentralized screening models such as self-sampling
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Task-sharing with frontline health workers
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Sustainable financing and government ownership
Learning from Global Best Practices: IPVS 2025
In parallel with the Regional Collaboration Meeting, members of the Philippine delegation—including the Iloilo team—also participated in the 37th International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS 2025) Conference, likewise held in Bangkok.
This global scientific forum provided opportunities to:
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Learn the latest evidence in HPV prevention and management
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Engage with international experts and researchers
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Build linkages to strengthen local cervical cancer and HIV programs
Insights from IPVS 2025 will further enhance Iloilo’s local strategies, ensuring that implementation remains aligned with global standards and emerging best practices.
A Shared Vision for Health Equity
The Regional Collaboration Meeting in Bangkok marked a significant milestone in the collective effort to advance health equity across the Asia-Pacific region. It reaffirmed that cervical cancer elimination is achievable when countries collaborate, communities are empowered, and services are designed around women’s needs.
For Iloilo—and for the Philippines—the meeting stands as a proud moment of global engagement and local leadership. As lessons from the region continue to inform on-the-ground implementation, SUCCESS-FAP moves closer to its goal: ensuring that no woman is left behind in the fight against cervical cancer.