MSD in the Philippines, PHAP Cares Foundation, and Project Red Ribbon, recently announced the successful completion of the MSD HPV vaccine donation, for the benefit of People Living with HIV (PLHIVs).
Since MSD turned over 1,500 units of HPV vaccines to PHAPCares Foundation for Project Red Ribbon in 2025, the NGO provided the complete three-dose HPV vaccination regimen as prescribed for immunocompromised individuals, with all beneficiaries completing their final dose this June.
The collaboration comes at a critical time as the Philippines continues to face one of the fastest-growing HIV surges in the Asia-Pacific region. Healthcare advocates emphasized that while HIV treatment remains essential, preventive interventions such as HPV vaccination must also become part of comprehensive HIV care.
Addressing a Growing Public Health Concern
According to Dr. Maria Rosarita Siasoco, Executive Director of PHAPCares Foundation, supporting HPV protection for PLHIV is both a public health priority and a matter of healthcare equity. “PLHIVs face a significantly higher risk of persistent HPV infections, which can lead to different forms of cancer. Despite this elevated risk, preventive interventions like HPV vaccination and early screening are not always fully integrated into HIV care pathways,” she said.
She emphasized that the Philippines’ rapidly increasing HIV cases make prevention initiatives even more urgent. “HIV cases in the Philippines require urgent attention and action as the country faces one of the fastest-growing HIV surges in the Asia-Pacific region. We also look beyond the data, because to us, HIV cases are not just numbers. We have seen and spoken with people living with HIV and their families. They are close to our hearts because they need support and protection,” Dr. Siasoco explained.
Dr. Siasoco added that the initiative aligns closely with the PHAPCares mission of improving access to life-saving healthcare innovations and ensuring that underserved sectors are not left behind in disease prevention efforts.
The initiative also sought to address major gaps in awareness and access surrounding HPV prevention among PLHIV. “Many PLHIV and even some healthcare providers may not fully appreciate the heightened risk of HPV-related diseases in immunocompromised populations or the benefits of early vaccination and regular screening,” Dr. Siasoco explained.
She also highlighted the ongoing challenge of accessibility. “HPV vaccines and related preventive services may not always be readily available within HIV programs,” Dr. Siasoco said. “By supporting this initiative, PHAPCares aimed to bridge these gaps through targeted education, advocacy, and collaboration.”
Expanding Client-Centered HIV Care
Project Red Ribbon President Ico Johnson says, “We were able to deliver the 1,500 doses to 500 PLHIV clients who are in need of the HPV vaccine. Because of the vaccines, we were able to continue providing client-centered services to people living with HIV.”
This reflects Project Red Ribbon’s broader advocacy for holistic care. Johnson says, “Our mission is to improve the quality of life of people living with HIV, as HIV care should go beyond treatment alone and include protection from other sexually transmitted infections and related health risks.”
Raising Awareness on HPV Risks for PLHIV
HPV vaccination is especially important for PLHIV because immunocompromised individuals are more vulnerable to HPV-related diseases and cancers.
MSD Market Access and Corporate Affairs Director Karlo Paredes said there remains limited awareness that HPV vaccination is also critical for men and other vulnerable populations. “Contrary to the common belief that HPV vaccination only benefits women, there are many population groups that would benefit, especially people living with HIV.”
Paredes added that the success of the initiative demonstrates the importance of improving vaccine access for vulnerable communities. “Finishing all 1,500 doses within one year proves that when access is provided, people will come forward and commit to protecting their health,” he said.
Looking Beyond Treatment
For Project Red Ribbon, the initiative reflects a continuing effort to expand conversations around sexual health, STI prevention, and long-term wellness for PLHIV. Johnson shared that Project Red Ribbon and My Hub Cares have also expanded services to include HPV-related consultations and treatment services alongside HIV care and advocacy programs. “Education is not enough,” Johnson reiterates. “People also need access to actual services. That is how advocacy becomes meaningful.”
As the initiative concludes its first phase, the stakeholders expressed hope that the project will pave the way for broader discussions on integrating preventive services such as HPV vaccination into HIV treatment programs nationwide.
