KARACHI:
January is cervical cancer awareness month and an opportunity to talk about Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines and screening to fight cervical cancer. The global strategy aiming to expedite the elimination of cervical cancer outlines 90–70–90 targets to be achieved by 2030. These targets involve ensuring that 90% of girls are fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15, 70% of women undergo screening with a high-performance test at both 35 and 45 years of age, and 90% of women diagnosed with cervical disease receive timely treatment.
I’ve consulted various doctors and pharmacists, but it seems that HPV vaccines are currently unavailable and challenging to access in our country. With Dr Sania Nishtar’s recent appointment as Gavi’s incoming CEO, there’s hope for progress in closing the availability gap for life-saving vaccines. Presently, the availability appears not just patchy but almost non-existent.
To improve screening, exploring the acceptability of self-sampling kits can be beneficial. Conducting feasibility studies in Pakistan can contribute to the development of a framework for the early detection of cervical cancer. Simultaneously, scaling up our capacity for cancer diagnosis and providing comprehensive treatment is crucial for improved awareness and early detection.
Mariam Khan
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, January 21th, 2024.
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