A vaccination campaign to protect girls aged 9 to 14 years from cervical cancer (Human Papilloma Virus – HPV) is set to begin in Matiari district from 15th September 2025. In this regard, a preparatory meeting was held on Wednesday at Latif Hall, Matiari, with Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Yousif Shaikh in the Chair.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner directed officials of the education department to provide accurate data of girls studying in all primary, secondary and high schools across the district so that vaccination teams can be formed accordingly.
He further instructed the education department to initiate awareness activities in their respective institutions before the vaccination campaign to ensure both students and their parents are well informed about the disease and the importance of the vaccine. He emphasized that the health, education and other relevant departments must work together to ensure full coverage during the campaign.
The Deputy Commissioner also directed the health and PPHI officials to launch an awareness campaign from August, which should include seminars, rallies and the distribution of pamphlets to educate parents and students about the benefits and significance of the HPV vaccine.
While briefing the meeting, the campaign’s focal person Dr. Babar Rajput said that the campaign will continue for 12 days, during which girls aged 9 to 14 will be vaccinated. He added that the vaccine can help to reduce cervical cancer rate by up to 70 percent.
Dr. Babar further shared that for out-of-school girls, the assistance of lady health workers (LHWs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in the health sector will be sought. A vaccination card will also be issued after the dose.
The health department appealed to parents to fully cooperate with the campaign teams and ensure that their daughters receive the vaccine to stay protected from this dangerous disease.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner-II Iqra Jannat, District Health Officer Dr. Asif Ali Shah and representatives of all concerned departments.