Sanghar holds seminar on HPV vaccination drive

Sanghar (Hasnain Ashiq Saand) The district health department on Friday organised a seminar at District Council Hall Sanghar to raise awareness about the upcoming Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, scheduled from Sept 15 to 27.

The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Sanghar Sarah Javed, MPA Jam Shabir Ali Khan, District Health Officer (DHO) Dr Daulat Jamali, Additional Deputy Commissioner Abdul Majeed Zuhrani, and other relevant officials.

Speaking on the occasion, DC Sarah Javed said the campaign aimed to protect girls aged 9 to 14 against cervical cancer, a life-threatening yet preventable disease. “The vaccine will be provided free of cost, and it is vital to openly discuss women’s health issues so that our society can move towards a healthier future,” she noted.

MPA Jam Shabbir Ali Khan stressed collective responsibility, urging parents and all sections of society to play their role in making the campaign successful.

DHO Dr Daulat Jamali informed participants that a target of vaccinating 172,461 girls had been set for Sanghar district. He added that HPV vaccination is already being administered in 130 countries and is being introduced free of cost in Pakistan for the first time. “Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women and often develops silently. Vaccination is the most effective and safest way to prevent it,” he said.

He further appealed to the public to ensure their daughters are vaccinated for a healthier future. He also underlined the need for awareness programmes in both urban and rural areas.

Additional District Health Officer Dr Farooq, Early Warning System in-charge Sabir Hussain Mahar, Dr Murtaza Sial, Dr Ghulam Parwar, and other departmental representatives also attended the seminar.