Banna HPV vaccination program to showcase Philippine local health model in Seoul

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 04, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Daily Tribune

A community-based HPV vaccination program in Banna, Ilocos Norte is set to take the Philippines’ local approach to cervical cancer prevention to an international healthcare forum in Seoul, South Korea.

The municipality’s Banna S.H.I.E.L.D. Against Cervical Cancer Program was selected for presentation at the 2026 World Hospital Congress, where Mayor and physician Mary Chrislyn Abadilla will share the town’s experience in increasing HPV vaccination coverage among children aged 9 to 14.

Banna reported reaching 90 percent HPV vaccination coverage among its target population, meeting the World Health Organization’s vaccination target for girls under 15 as part of its broader cervical cancer elimination strategy. The program was built around community participation, involving health workers, schools, parents and local leaders.

Abadilla said the study was initially submitted as a poster presentation before organizers selected the Ilocos Norte model for an oral presentation. She is scheduled to present the program during the congress on October 20, according to the official event program.

The program grew from Abadilla’s experience as a physician, including treating women with cervical cancer. Banna’s vaccination campaign was launched to strengthen prevention by improving access to HPV vaccines and encouraging families to participate.

The International Hospital Federation’s World Hospital Congress will be held in Seoul from October 20 to 22, bringing together healthcare leaders from around the world to exchange practices and discuss healthcare delivery, patient safety, sustainability and innovation.

For Banna, the Seoul presentation offers an opportunity to show how local government leadership and community-based vaccination efforts can help advance broader public health goals, particularly in preventing cervical cancer.