By Ashrafuddin Pirzada
PESHAWAR: A vaccination campaign to protect girls against cervical cancer would begin across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Khyber tribal district, on November 11, with a target of immunising 2.9 million girls aged nine to 14 years, ADC Khyber said on Tuesday.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Khyber Shahabuddin told a session held at Khyber House that the campaign would be continued until November 24, 2026. He said marking the first such initiative in the district aimed at preventing cervical cancer through vaccination.
The awareness session was attended by journalists from all press clubs in Khyber district who were briefed on the campaign, the importance of the vaccine and the need to raise public awareness about the disease.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Khyber Shahabuddin, health department officials Dr Mohibullah, Dr Sher Amin, Dr Qazi and other relevant officials, journalists and health professionals attended the session. Representatives of the Jamrud, Landikotal and Bara press clubs were also present.
During the session, Dr Mohibullah explained the causes of cervical cancer and the role of vaccination in preventing the disease. He said cervical cancer was one of the major health concerns affecting women and was primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
He said vaccination at an appropriate age could significantly reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer, urging parents to ensure that eligible girls received the vaccine during the campaign.
The health officials said the HPV vaccine is being used in 162 countries worldwide as part of efforts to prevent cervical cancer.
Dr Mohibullah said a lack of public awareness remained a major challenge in preventing the disease. He said the government had involved journalists in the awareness campaign to ensure that parents and the wider public received accurate information through the media.
He emphasised that journalists could play a key role in dispelling misconceptions, addressing parental concerns and encouraging families to take advantage of the vaccination drive.
Participants were also briefed on possible symptoms of cervical cancer, including lower abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue and loss of appetite. They were advised to seek medical attention if such symptoms occurred, although these signs did not necessarily indicate cervical cancer.
Health officials said parents should consult qualified healthcare professionals for reliable information about the vaccine and cooperate with vaccination teams to protect their daughters from the disease.
The session also addressed concerns about possible side effects. Officials said some recipients might experience mild pain or redness at the injection site, a slight fever, temporary fatigue, or dizziness.
He said citizens seeking information about the vaccination campaign could also contact the 1322 helpline, participants were told.
Officials said preparations for the campaign in Khyber district had been completed, with the district health department, district administration, education department, Rescue 1122 and other relevant departments coordinating efforts to ensure its success.
Shahabuddin stressed the importance of cooperation among parents, teachers, religious scholars, community leaders, and journalists in making the campaign successful.
Participants pledged to help disseminate accurate information, counter misinformation, and encourage parents to ensure timely vaccination of eligible girls to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
