Healthy Daughter, Healthy Family' initiative launched

Under the directives of Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, the health department has launched a province-wide vaccination campaign against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), aimed at protecting women from cervical cancer. The 12-day vaccination campaign, titled "Healthy Daughter, Healthy Family," has officially been launched in Nasira School, Korangi.

The very first HPV vaccine in Sindh was administered to 13-year-old Ayesha Khalid, daughter of pediatrician Dr Khalid Shafi, in a move intended to build the public's, as well as parents', trust that the vaccine is safe.

Dr Pechuho stated, "these girls are our future and we want to protect them from this painful disease. Cervical cancer often shows no symptoms in its early stages, and is only diagnosed when it reaches a dangerous stage. This is the only cancer for which a preventive vaccine exists."

The campaign will continue until September 27, targeting 4.1 million girls aged nine to 14. The single-dose vaccine, provided free of cost, will be available at all government schools, madrassas, private institutions, and health centres, while teams will also conduct door-to-door visits to vaccinate girls.