Article by NIH-IRH Communications Team
December 22, 2025

HPV 52 is the most prevalent high-risk genotype of human papillomavirus, the necessary cause for cervical cancer, based on a recent community-based study done in selected communities in the Philippines. Cervical cancer remains to be the second most common cancer among women in the Philippines, after breast cancer.

This was the main finding of the study titled "Prevalence and Genotype Distribution of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infections Among Women in Selected Communities in the Philippines: Results of the DEFEAT HPV Study" published in the Journal of Virus Eradication on December 12, 2025. Research Associate Professor Dr. Ryan Lintao of the Institute of Reproductive Health is one of the co-authors of the said study.  🟣

Article by Katrina Covar
December 11, 2025

Last December 9, 2025, the UP Manila National Institutes of Health-Institute of Reproductive Health held its Stakeholders Meeting and Consultation to discuss key issues on postnatal care utilization among postpartum mothers and early unintended pregnancies among adolescents. Representatives from the Manila Health Department, Likhaan, and Civil Society Organizations, and direct stakeholders joined the event to contribute their insights and expertise.

Lead Investigators Dr. Madonna Domingo and Dr. Patricia Factor of the UP PGH Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology led the discussions, highlighting the heightened vulnerabilities faced by postpartum mothers and adolescents. Afterward, Research Associate Professor and Project Leader Dr. Ryan Lintao of the Institute of Reproductive Health presented preliminary findings from the study. Stakeholders then participated in breakout sessions to share perspectives, prioritize key problems, and craft SMART solutions. The event concluded with participants writing their pledges on a commitment board, reaffirming their dedication to improving maternal and adolescent health outcomes. 🟣