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RAWALPINDI, Jul 30 (APP):In a historic move for cancer preventive measures, Rawalpindi is preparing to launch a historic anti-cancer vaccination drive in the district. The anti ‘Human Papillomavirus (HPV)’ vaccine stands as a critical tool in global public health, offering robust protection against infections that can lead to various types of cancer, as well as other serious health conditions.
Dr. Waqar Ahmad, heading District Disease Surveillance and Response Unit (DDSRU), informed APP that HPV vaccine is a highly effective immunization designed to prevent infection from specific types of Human Papillomavirus.
“HPV is a common virus, typically transmitted through skin-to-skin or physical contact”, he said.
While many HPV types are harmless, certain high-risk strains are known to cause cancers and genital warts.
“The vaccine works by introducing virus-like particles (VLPs) which are non-infectious components that mimic the virus’s outer shell”, he added.
These VLPs prompt the body’s immune system to produce protective antibodies and ultimately prepares the immune system to swiftly recognize and neutralize the actual HPV if encountered, thereby preventing infection and subsequent disease development.
The vaccine is most effective when administered before exposure to the virus, typically in pre-adolescent years.
Dr. Waqar observed that the widespread adoption of HPV vaccination programs yields significant and far-reaching public health benefits including primary cancer prevention with the most profound impact on cervical cancer, with nearly all cases attributable to HPV. The vaccine specifically targets the high-risk HPV types responsible for the majority of these cancers, leading to substantial reductions in HPV infections and pre-cancerous lesions among vaccinated populations globally.
“Beyond the cervical cancer, the vaccine offers protection against other HPV-related cancers, including those of the anus, mouth, throat, genital organs. It also prevents the common occurrence of genital warts”, said Dr. Waqar who is also the spokesman of the District Health Authority.
High vaccination rates within a community reduce the overall circulation of HPV, providing indirect protection to unvaccinated individuals. This “herd immunity” amplifies the vaccine’s protective effect across the population.
Moreover, the protection provided by the HPV vaccine is proven to be durable and long-lasting as the vaccine helps alleviate the significant healthcare burden associated with screening, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions.
Rawalpindi’s health authority is preparing for the vaccination campaign which will be launched in September this year.
“A sophisticated training for the vaccinators is underway in which the lectures and training are being given regarding vaccine administration methodology, general public awareness and guiding tools”, informed Dr. Waqar, while confirming a special immunization activity to be initiated in the month of September.
He termed HPV vaccine a major advancement in preventive medicine, empowering communities to actively combat a leading cause of cancer and improve overall public health.
During the Special Immunization Activity (SIA) in September, the girls aged 9-15 years will be vaccinated. Later HPV vaccine will be added in the routine vaccination schedule; EPI.