Pakistan Launches Ambitious Nationwide HPV Vaccination Campaign to Combat Cervical Cancer
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Pakistan is initiating a groundbreaking nationwide campaign to vaccinate over 13 million girls against the human papillomavirus (HPV), a critical step in preventing cervical cancer, the third-leading cause of cancer death for women in the country.
The rollout, begining next week, marks a significant public health intervention aimed at protecting a generation of girls from a disease that claims the lives of more than 3,000 Pakistani women annually.The initiative is currently underway with groundwork being laid in communities, as evidenced by health officials engaging parents at schools like Khatoon-e-Pakistan government girls’ school in Karachi.
Addressing Fears and Misconceptions
Despite the potential to save lives, the campaign faces challenges rooted in public awareness and misinformation. Concerns voiced by parents range from questions about the vaccine’s side effects to unfounded rumors about its impact on fertility. Health officials are actively working to dispel these myths through community outreach and educational programs.While there is growing optimism, some remain cautious. Yaqoobuddin Lanjar, a colleague of Asghar’s, acknowledged that the campaign is entering “uncharted territory” due to limited awareness. Notably, all 49,000 government health workers trained for the rollout are women, a deliberate strategy to address cultural sensitivities.
A survivor’s Plea and the Urgency of Prevention
The need for this campaign is powerfully illustrated by the stories of women like Afshan bhurgri,a 59-year-old cervical cancer survivor. “I wouldn’t wish what I went through on anyone,” Bhurgri shared, recounting the grueling experience of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. she emphasized the importance of early intervention, having vaccinated her daughter after her own diagnosis, when the vaccine was significantly more expensive. “Today, just one jab will do the job,” she said, “And it’s free.”
Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, the Sindh provincial minister for health and population welfare, echoed this sentiment, urging mothers to prioritize their daughters’ vaccination. “As one mother to another, I urge you to get your daughters vaccinated from this terrible cancer, which often goes undetected untill it’s too late and the woman dies an agonising death,” she stated.
Expanding Access and Long-Term Goals
The first phase of the campaign will target 13 million girls aged nine to 14 in Punjab, sindh, Islamabad Capital Territory, and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, utilizing a single dose of the Chinese-made Cecolin vaccine. Recognizing that nearly 50% of girls in the target age group do not attend school, temporary vaccination centers are being established in neighborhoods to ensure equitable access.
The HPV vaccine will also be integrated into the Expanded Program on Immunisation, offering free vaccinations for preventable diseases like tuberculosis, typhoid, polio, and measles. the government plans to co-finance the program with Gavi,the Vaccine Alliance,alongside support from organizations like the World Health Institution,UNICEF,and Jhpiego,with a goal of vaccinating 90% of girls by 2030 and ultimately eliminating cervical cancer.
Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women, but in Pakistan, it ranks third, with a notably high fatality rate of 64%. Dr. Pechuho attributes this to delayed diagnoses and limited access to screening, emphasizing that vaccination is only one component of a comprehensive solution.”strengthening screening and treatment is equally critical,” added Dr.Ahsan, noting that awareness of both screening and the disease itself remains low – a 2021 study found that only 25% of patients at the Aga Khan university hospital in Karachi knew a vaccine existed.
Even healthcare workers have faced a learning curve.Mehrunissa Asghar, a vaccinator, only learned about cervical cancer after encountering HPV on a child’s immunization card. “I had never heard of this vaccine, so I asked doctors and they told me about the cancer and how expensive [the vaccine] used to be,” she recalled.
The nationwide HPV vaccination campaign represents a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s public health landscape, offering a tangible path toward reducing the burden of cervical cancer and empowering a generation of girls with the protection they deserve.
