HPV Vaccine Awareness in Pakistan- A talk with Dr Sobia Jawaid скачать в хорошем качестве

HPV Vaccine Awareness in Pakistan- A talk with Dr Sobia Jawaid

HPV Vaccine Awareness in Pakistan: A Conversation with Dr Sobia Jawaid Host: Dr Tehzeeb Zulfiqar Guest: Dr Sobia Jawaid, Family Physician and Healthcare Columnist Overview Dr Sobia Jawaid, a practising family physician from Lahore, who regularly writes on healthcare and community wellbeing for the News, joined Dr Tehzeeb Zulfiqar to discuss the critical importance of HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer in Pakistan. The HPV Vaccine Campaign in Pakistan Dr Jawaid outlined the national HPV vaccination programme, which officially launched on 15 September targeting girls aged 9–14 years. The campaign initially aimed to reach 17 million girls but has since expanded to cover 30 million girls across Sindh, Punjab, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and the Islamabad Capital Territory. As part of Pakistan's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, the phased rollout will extend to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2026 and Balochistan and tribal areas in 2027. The programme targets 90% vaccination coverage amongst the eligible age group to create a healthy population focused on cervical cancer prevention. The Growing Cervical Cancer Crisis Dr Jawaid highlighted the alarming increase in cervical cancer cases in Pakistan, which rose from hundreds annually to 3,250 cases in 2022, with Sindh alone reporting over 3,000 cases. She explained that the HPV virus spreads through skin-to-skin contact and replicates in cervical cells, potentially leading to cancer in older women. Symptoms include abnormal discharge and bleeding. The financial burden of treatment is substantial, with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy costs totaling up to 350,000 rupees over a 9–10-month period, making prevention through vaccination particularly crucial. Vaccine Efficacy and Timing Dr Jawaid emphasised that HPV vaccines are most effective when administered between ages 9 and 45, with optimal antibody development occurring in the younger age range. This underscores the importance of targeting pre-adolescent girls in the national programme. Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions Dr Jawaid addressed several important concerns: Halal Status: The vaccine is halal and suitable for the Muslim-majority population Safety: Supported by reputable organisations including the World Health Organisation and UNICEF Availability: The vaccine can be obtained privately for 3,000–5,000 rupees for those unable to access the public programme A nationwide campaign has been launched to combat misinformation and improve public understanding of the vaccine, its benefits, and its safety profile. Prevention and Education Strategies Beyond vaccination, Dr Jawaid emphasised the importance of: Early screening: Pap smear tests available at nominal cost for early detection Couple education: Informing newly married couples about preventive measures School curriculum: Incorporating safe sex education into primary schools over the next five years to reduce cancer cases and virus transmission Healthcare professional engagement: Involving doctors and government officials in promoting awareness Implementation Challenges The speakers acknowledged that public sentiment and response significantly impact the programme's effectiveness. They stressed the need for: Enhanced education and awareness campaigns Monitoring and evaluation systems to track vaccination coverage Community engagement to build trust and acceptance Ongoing support from health professionals and government officials Conclusion Dr Tehzeeb concluded by highlighting the significance of HPV vaccination and Pap smear testing as essential tools in controlling cervical cancer in Pakistan, expressing appreciation for Dr Jawaid's comprehensive and informative discussion on this vital public health initiative.