Lack of better access to human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer treatment is a health challenge faced by Filipino household service workers abroad. This issue was highlighted in a recent policy paper titled “HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention, Screening and Treatment for Female Foreign Domestic Workers” developed by the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN), National University of Singapore, Asia-Pacific Immunization Coalition (APIC), and The Voices Project Asia.
In an interview with The Manila Times, Thematic Director of AVPN, Aravindan Srinivasan, emphasized that health care access for overseas Filipino household workers primarily relies on their employers. Many female foreign domestic workers depend on their employers’ financial assistance for health care services, including HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening and treatment. However, this dependence can lead to power imbalances and potential barriers in accessing timely and appropriate care.
Additionally, the lack of familiarity with the health care system and a cultural disconnect with health care providers discourage Filipina foreign domestic workers from seeking preventive care and participating in screening campaigns. It is important to note that 60% of Filipinos working abroad in domestic work and care-giving jobs are women.
AVPN highlights that health care for women remains a challenge both in the Philippines and abroad. Cervical cancer is the second leading type of cancer among women in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Without intervention, it is projected that there could be an increase of 450,000 related deaths by 2070. According to the Global Cancer Observatory in 2020, over 500,000 women are expected to develop cervical cancer, with 270,000 women dying from the disease annually. Most of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries where access to cervical cancer screening is limited.
Srinivasan emphasizes the significant challenge posed by the cultural and contextual gap between policymakers and other stakeholders designing HPV/cervical cancer campaigns in host countries and the foreign domestic workers in the Philippines. He explains, “Often, policymakers and program implementers may be unfamiliar with the nuanced cultural or religious taboos surrounding sexual health and reproductive issues within female foreign domestic workers. These taboos can hinder open discussions about HPV and cervical cancer, making it difficult to raise awareness and promote preventive measures effectively.”
Moreover, pre-existing beliefs and misconceptions about vaccines, Western medicine, and the health care system can contribute to hesitancy or resistance towards HPV vaccination or screening. Overcoming these barriers requires transnational coordination between host countries and the Philippines. There is a need for cross-border collaboration to improve the design and implementation of solutions to HPV and cervical cancer.
In conclusion, the lack of access to HPV and cervical cancer treatment for Filipino household service workers abroad is a pressing health challenge. The dependence on employers for healthcare services, cultural barriers, and misconceptions about vaccines and Western medicine contribute to the difficulties faced by these workers. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts between host countries and the Philippines to ensure better access to preventive care and timely treatment.
Source: The Manila Times
