Call to vaccinate girls against cervical cancer

ISLAMABAD:

Health authorities have urged parents to ensure that their daughters receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine under the cervical cancer prevention campaign, describing early vaccination as a vital step towards protecting girls against the disease.

The Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) has encouraged parents to make informed decisions about their daughters' health and take advantage of the preventive vaccination programme.

Health experts explain that the HPV vaccine protects against the types of human papillomavirus responsible for most cases of cervical cancer. Vaccination at the recommended age of nine to 14 years provides the best protection, ideally before exposure to the virus.

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus, and is largely preventable through HPV vaccination and appropriate screening later in life.