Islamabad: A 12-day vaccination campaign against cervical cancer is currently underway in Punjab, initiated by the Punjab Government in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to Radio Pakistan, the campaign commenced on September 15 and will continue until the 27th of this month. It focuses on immunizing school-going girls aged 9 to 14 against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for causing cervical cancer, targeting both urban and rural areas.

In an exclusive interview with Radio Pakistan’s Correspondent Zunaira Khalid, the Director of Health Services (EPI), Dr. Samra Khurram, emphasized that cervical cancer is the only type of cancer preventable through vaccination. She criticized the spread of unverified information, labeling it inconsistent with Islamic principles, and addressed rumors about the vaccine. Dr. Khurram confirmed that the vaccine is approved by the WHO and endorsed by global partners like UNICEF.

She further stated that the vaccine is entirely safe, having undergone extensive research and international validation. Dr. Khurram clarified that the HPV vaccine has been available in Pakistan’s private healthcare sector for several years, with those who can afford it already vaccinating their daughters privately. The Punjab Government is now offering it free of charge to ensure that children from all backgrounds receive protection.

Dr. Khurram urged parents to seek advice from qualified medical professionals, such as pediatricians, gynecologists, and family physicians, rather than relying on social media or hearsay. She also encouraged them to conduct their own research using resources like Google or AI tools.