KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has expressed deep concern over the shockingly low coverage of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among girls aged 9 to 14 in Sindh province, warning that this shortfall poses a serious risk of preventable deaths from cervical cancer.
In a strongly worded press release issued on Tuesday, the PMA urged all parents and guardians to ensure their daughters receive the HPV vaccine, calling it a “lifeline for our girls” and the most effective defense against cervical cancer. Despite the vaccine’s availability, recent data reveals that vaccination rates remain disturbingly low across Sindh.
“The HPV vaccine is not just a medical recommendation; it is a critical and effective tool for preventing cervical cancer, a disease that claims thousands of lives in Pakistan every year,” said Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, Secretary General of the PMA. “We cannot afford to lose more lives to a disease that can be stopped with a simple vaccine.”
The PMA reaffirmed its support for the government’s vaccination campaign and pledged to work closely with health authorities, community leaders, and the media to counter misinformation and misconceptions that have contributed to the poor coverage. The association stressed that the HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and essential for public health.
Calling for urgent action, the PMA appealed to parents to vaccinate their daughters without delay and urged doctors, educators, and community organizations to join efforts in educating the public about the importance of this life-saving vaccine.
