Sukkur is gearing up for a major Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign targeting 120,000 girls aged 9 to 14. The initiative, slated to run from September 15 to 27, aims to protect young women from the virus, a leading cause of cervical cancer.
Deputy Commissioner Nadir Shahzad Khan chaired a meeting to finalize arrangements for the inoculation drive. Attendees included health officials, Assistant Commissioners, representatives from the education and police sectors, and other stakeholders.
Khan stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation for the program’s triumph. He urged transparent and efficient vaccine delivery in schools and emphasized community outreach to educate parents about the vaccine’s benefits. The administration is committed to reaching every eligible girl, aiming for 100% coverage.
Health authorities outlined the 12-day plan, spanning Sukkur’s five talukas. The objective is to inoculate half of the targeted girls in schools and the other half in community settings. The Sindh government has prioritized vaccinating all eligible girls, regardless of their educational status, to maximize protection against the life-threatening illness.
District Education Officers are also involved to ensure smooth operation within schools and collaboration with local health teams. A team of 46 primary supervisors and 12 secondary supervisors will oversee the program. The focus on collaboration and thorough planning aims to prevent any obstacles and ensure widespread vaccine access.