With breast cancer constituting nearly 40% of all cancers among women in Pakistan and an alarming one in every nine women at risk of developing the disease, speakers at an awareness event on Friday stressed the urgent need for accessible early screening and timely treatment for all, regardless of socioeconomic status.
According to a statement issued today, the call to action was made at the ‘Pinktober Cancer Awareness Event,’ an initiative by the Sindh government’s Human Rights Department in collaboration with CBNC Club and Saving Lives Welfare. The program framed the health crisis as a fundamental human rights concern, emphasizing every woman’s right to health, information, and dignified medical care.
Rajvir Singh Sodha, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Sindh for Human Rights, attended as the Chief Guest and appreciated the collaborative effort. ‘Ensuring the right to health for women is an essential part of protecting human rights. Awareness and access to early diagnosis are key to saving lives,’ he stated.
Presiding over the gathering, Human Rights Department Secretary Khalid A.K. Chachar reaffirmed the department’s commitment to promoting equality and health equity. He emphasized that vital partnerships between government institutions, healthcare providers, and civil society are crucial in advancing the cause of public health and human rights.
In his welcome address, Agha Fakhur Hussain, Director of the Human Rights Department, underscored that breast cancer awareness transcends the realm of health and must be seen as part of the broader struggle for dignity and women’s rights protection.
The event featured panel discussions led by leading oncologists, motivational stories from cancer survivors, and interactive awareness sessions focused on dispelling myths and promoting regular screenings and preventive healthcare.