Pakistan has set the first national vaccination move against cancer

• Vaccination campaign to target 13 million girls.
• Girls, aged 9 to 14 years, to get a dose jab.
• Pakistan for vaccination of 18 meters of girls over the next 3 years.

Pakistan will launch its first HPV national vaccination campaign from September 15 to September 27, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to prevent cervical cancer-the second most common cancer among women at national level.

According to The newsThe campaign will target about 13 million girls, aged 9 to 14, across Punjab, Sindh, Islamabad and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. A dose vaccine will be administered, which provides lifelong protection.

The Dopasi Foundation, in collaboration with FDI and with the support of Gavi, Alliance Vaccine, has collected a strategic workshop in Islamabad to mobilize the support of a “Pakistan of cervical cancer”. The event gathered health experts, government officials and representatives of civil society. Participants stressed that doctors, private hospitals and non -governmental organizations would play a decisive role in the success of the campaign.

Dr. Farhaj Uddin, a HPV campaign manager at the Dopasi Foundation, said the initiative is focusing on the defense and mobilization of the community to dismantle myths and misunderstandings. “We are determined to support the government to achieve every eligible girl and to build public confidence around this vaccine,” he said.

The labeling of the role of medical professionals, Dr. Khurram Shahzad, a technician at the FDI, said the public trusts doctors more than anyone else when it comes to vaccine safety.

“Their voice is the most effective tool for dealing with myths and misinterpretations,” he noted. Dr. Irshad Ali Jokhio, General Manager of CDA Health Services, announced that the HPV vaccine will be added to the Pakistani Immigration Routine program.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rozeena Khalid of who reminded participants that cervical cancer is now claiming more Pakistani women every year than breast cancer. “Girls’ vaccination is the only way to reduce this disease that can be prevented,” he said. Dr. Saima Khursheed Zubair added that, although cervical cancer affects adult women, vaccination prior to the age of 15 is essential to securing lifelong protection.

The speakers stressed that Pakistan has set an ambitious goal to vaccinate 18 million girls over the next three years. This goal can only be achieved through the active commitment of civil society and healthcare providers. The participants also recognized the leadership of the Dopasi Foundation and praised his efforts to build awareness and community promotion.

In his observations, Dr. Bilal Arshad, chief executive of Ali’s Medical Hospital, said the outcome of the campaign was ultimately dependent on doctors. “Their defense will decide whether Pakistan can meet its goal and save millions of lives in the coming years,” he said.

With this campaign, Pakistan will participate in 149 other countries that have already introduced the HPV vaccine.