KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani announced on Saturday that around 4.1 million girls in Sindh will be given the cervical cancer vaccine (HPV vaccine) as part of a nationwide campaign starting September 15 and continuing until September 27.
Speaking as the chief guest at an Advocacy Seminar on HPV Vaccination organized by the District Health Office South, Ghani said this initiative is a major breakthrough in cancer prevention. “Honestly, I myself didn’t know about this vaccine earlier, and I see it as a blessing that such a protection against cancer is now available,” he remarked.
The minister added that across Pakistan, 13 million girls are expected to receive the free HPV vaccine during this campaign. He stressed that while cervical cancer treatment is painful and extremely expensive, this vaccine could save countless lives.
“Unfortunately, whenever a new vaccine is introduced, negative propaganda follows. I request citizens not to pay heed to misinformation and instead make this campaign a success. Together, we can defeat cervical cancer,” Ghani urged.
Other speakers at the seminar included Sindh Chief Minister’s Special Assistant for Katchi Abadis Syed Najmi Alam, government spokesperson Sumeta Afzal, District Health Officer South Dr. Ubaidullah Sheikh, EPI Project Director Dr. Raj Kumar, and People’s Doctors Forum President Dr. Ashiq Shah. Health professionals, political leaders, and community representatives also attended the event.
The campaign will provide the HPV vaccine free of cost, but officials warned that in the future, citizens may have to buy it privately.
