PESHAWAR, Nov 04 (APP):Health Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa organized a Media Orientation Workshop at the ERU Hall, DHO Office here Wednesday, with the support of the Medical Emergency Resilience Foundation (MERF) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, ahead of the second phase of the Cervical Cancer Prevention Campaign scheduled for 11–24 November 2026. The orientation aimed to enhance media professionals' understanding of cervical cancer, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), symptoms, prevention, and the importance …
KP Health Deptt, MERF holds media orientation ahead of Cervical Cancer Prevention campaign
PESHAWAR, Nov 04 (APP):Health Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa organized a Media Orientation Workshop at the ERU Hall, DHO Office here Wednesday, with the support of the Medical Emergency Resilience Foundation (MERF) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, ahead of the second phase of the Cervical Cancer Prevention Campaign scheduled for 11–24 November 2026.
The orientation aimed to enhance media professionals’ understanding of cervical cancer, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), symptoms, prevention, and the importance of cervical cancer prevention vaccination.
Participants were also briefed on global and national statistics, campaign objectives, target population and vaccination arrangements.
The technical sessions were facilitated by Dr. Muhammad Arif, EPI Coordinator, Peshawar; Dr. Qazi Taimor, Divisional Officer, World Health Organization (WHO); Dr. Saad, Disease Surveillance Officer, Peshawar and Muhammad Shoaib, SBCC Officer, MERF.
According to global estimates, cervical cancer caused approximately 660,000 new cases and 348,000 deaths worldwide in 2022, making it the fourth most common cancer among women. In Pakistan, it ranks as the third most common cancer among women, with over 5,000 new cases reported annually and a reported mortality rate exceeding 60 percent.
The KP campaign aims to vaccinate 2.9 million girls aged 9–14 years, including school-going, madrassa-going, and out-of-school girls. In District Peshawar, the vaccination target is 374,000 eligible girls. Vaccination will be provided free of cost at schools, madrassas, designated community locations, and government health facilities.
Speaking on the occasion, the Dr. Arif, EPI Coordinator, Peshawar emphasized the importance of HPV vaccination and media engagement, stating, “Cervical cancer is preventable, and HPV vaccination provides an important opportunity to protect our girls. Media professionals can play a vital role in spreading accurate information, addressing misconceptions, and building community confidence in the vaccination campaign.”
A dedicated session highlighted the role of media in raising public awareness, countering misinformation, and encouraging parents to vaccinate eligible girls.
An interactive question-and-answer session was also held, during which media representatives raised questions about vaccine safety, eligibility, and campaign arrangements. Relevant health officials and campaign focal persons responded to their queries and shared communication channels for coordination throughout the campaign.
The Health Department urged media professionals, community elders, religious leaders, teachers, and parents to join hands in making the campaign successful and protecting the health of adolescent girls.
