'Cervical cancer drive achieves 77.7% target'

The district-wide vaccination campaign to protect women against cervical cancer concluded after achieving 77.71 per cent of its target.

Despite the drive, 88,188 girls could not be vaccinated due to parental refusal, absence from home or schools, and illness. The campaign, jointly organised by UNICEF and the District Health Authority, aimed to protect girls aged 9 to 14 from the deadly disease through the HPV vaccination.

Running from September 15 to September 27, the one-time vaccination drive had set a target of 395,609 girls.

Of these, 307,421 were vaccinated, while 88,188 missed the dose, bringing the coverage to 77.71 per cent.

According to health officials, the main reasons for missed vaccinations were parental refusal, non-availability of girls at home or school, and illness.

Tehsil-wise coverage varied across the district: Gujar Khan achieved 76.7 per cent, Kotli Sattian 91.6 per cent, Kahuta 81 per cent, Murree 80.9 per cent, Rawalpindi city 83.5 per cent, while Rawalpindi rural lagged behind at 68.9 per cent.

Kotli Sattian recorded the highest coverage rate at 91.6 per cent, reflecting exceptional community participation. Rawalpindi City (83.5 per cent) and Cantonment (83.1 per cent) followed closely, while Murree (80.9 per cent) and Kahuta (81 per cent) also achieved strong results despite challenging hilly terrain.