Mehwish Qamas Khan
Health Ministry hosts awareness session with influencers, journalists, and medical experts.
Web desk: In an important step toward combating one of the most overlooked yet deadly diseases among women, the Ministry of Health in Islamabad has officially launched a national awareness and vaccination campaign to prevent cervical cancer. The event brought together influencers, anchors, and journalists, who were given a detailed briefing and presentation on the disease, its causes, prevention, and the significance of early vaccination for girls.
During the session, health experts explained what cervical cancer is and how rapidly it is spreading in Pakistan. The participants were informed that this disease has already affected thousands of women in the country and remains a silent killer, often going undetected until it reaches an advanced stage.
Medical professionals highlighted that cervical cancer is caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that can be prevented through vaccination. They emphasised that the HPV vaccine has been used safely for many years in numerous Muslim countries, where young girls are routinely vaccinated to protect them before they reach adulthood. Now, Pakistan has joined these nations in launching its own immunisation program to reduce future cases of the disease.
Dr Rozina, a leading public health specialist, revealed alarming statistics: “Every year, over 5,000 women in Pakistan are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and more than 3,000 lose their lives to this preventable disease.”
She added that early vaccination and regular screening can drastically reduce these numbers.
Social activist Huma Khawar urged parents to take this initiative seriously and ensure that their daughters receive the vaccine at the recommended age.
“Parents must understand that this vaccine is not just a precaution, it’s protection against a life-threatening disease. Early vaccination can save thousands of lives,” she stressed.
Experts at the event underscored that if 90 per cent of young girls in Pakistan receive the vaccine, the country could see a significant decline in cervical cancer cases in the coming years. They also pointed out that awareness remains the biggest challenge, many families are unaware of the vaccine or hold misconceptions about it.
The Health Ministry officials reaffirmed their commitment to making the HPV vaccine accessible and affordable through public health facilities and schools. They also announced plans for a nationwide awareness campaign, engaging religious scholars, educators, and social media influencers to dispel myths and encourage families to participate.
As the campaign begins, the message is clear: cervical cancer is preventable. With timely vaccination, regular checkups, and widespread awareness, thousands of Pakistani women can be saved from a disease that has silently claimed too many lives for too long.
This initiative marks a major milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward women’s health empowerment, setting a precedent for proactive healthcare and community-based prevention.
