DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Oct 06 (APP):The district administration has set a target of vaccinating 135,243 girls against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) as preparations for a district-wide vaccination campaign were reviewed at a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Hikmatullah.
The meeting was attended by officials and representatives of relevant departments, who were briefed on HPV, its link with cervical cancer, the importance of vaccination and arrangements for the upcoming campaign.
The meeting was informed that HPV vaccination was an important preventive measure against cervical cancer and highlighted the significance of vaccinating girls aged 9 to 14 years.
It was told the single-dose HPV vaccine had been incorporated into national vaccination schedules in 162 countries.
For the D.I. Khan campaign, mobile, fixed and outreach teams have been constituted and preparations have been completed.
The campaign is tentatively scheduled for November 2 to 14, although the dates may be revised because of the anti-polio campaign planned for the same month.
The meeting also took notice of delays by some schools and seminaries in providing the required data.
Deputy Commissioner Hikmatullah directed the concerned authorities to take strict action against institutions failing to cooperate with the campaign.
He said the HPV vaccination drive was a national cause and that no negligence would be tolerated. He urged government departments, educational institutions, seminaries, parents and other stakeholders to extend full cooperation to achieve the vaccination target.
He expressed confidence that the campaign teams would demonstrate the same commitment and sense of responsibility shown during previous anti-polio campaigns in the district.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
