The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department has announced a province-wide vaccination campaign against cervical cancer, with around 2.93 million girls aged 9 to 14 years set to receive the vaccine from November 2 to 14.
KP to launch cervical cancer vaccination campaign for girls from Nov 2
PESHAWAR, Aug 17 (APP): The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department has announced a province-wide vaccination campaign against cervical cancer, with around 2.93 million girls aged 9 to 14 years set to receive the vaccine from November 2 to 14.
The announcement was made at an awareness event organized by the Health Department on Monday, where health experts highlighted the importance of vaccination and screening in preventing cervical cancer.
WHO consultant Dr Rizwan said more than 5,000 cervical cancer cases were reported in Pakistan every year, while around 3,000 women die from the disease annually.
Dr Muhammad Ayaz said timely vaccination and regular screening could significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Dr Idrees stressed the need for preventive measures, describing the disease as a serious and potentially fatal health threat.
UNICEF consultant Dr Kamran Qureshi said 162 countries had included the cervical cancer vaccine in their routine immunization programmes.
He said vaccination would be administered to girls in schools and religious seminaries, adding that religious scholars and teachers had been taken into confidence regarding the campaign.
According to the Health Department spokesperson, committees would be established to address concerns of parents who decline vaccination.
The department also emphasized the importance of media support in creating awareness and ensuring the success of the campaign.
