Awareness activities intensify in Kurram ahead of cervical cancer vaccination campaign

A series of public awareness activities is being conducted across Kurram district ahead of a vaccination campaign aimed at protecting girls

PARACHINAR : A series of public awareness activities is being conducted across Kurram district ahead of a vaccination campaign aimed at protecting girls against cervical cancer. As part of the awareness drive, a special question-and-answer session was organised at the Governor House in Parachinar, where health officials and community representatives discussed the importance, safety and expected benefits of the vaccination programme.

The session was attended by Assistant Director Health and Information Dr Asad Zia, Additional Deputy Commissioner Shaukat Ali, District Health Officer Shams-ur-Rehman and Dr Idris. The officials briefed participants about cervical cancer, the role of vaccination in preventing the disease and the importance of ensuring that eligible girls receive the vaccine during the campaign.

Speaking at the gathering, the health officials urged parents, teachers, community elders and other members of the public to cooperate with vaccination teams and play their role in creating awareness about the campaign. They said that informed public participation was essential for ensuring that the vaccination programme reaches its intended beneficiaries.

According to health officials, approximately 2.9 million girls across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are expected to be vaccinated against cervical cancer under the campaign. They said the large-scale initiative is aimed at strengthening preventive healthcare and protecting girls from a disease that can be prevented through timely vaccination.

The officials also addressed concerns regarding the safety of the vaccine. They stated that the vaccine is considered safe when administered according to recommended medical guidelines and that it does not cause harmful effects to the human body when given properly. Participants were encouraged to obtain information from qualified health professionals and official vaccination teams instead of relying on unverified information.

During the question-and-answer session, participants raised questions regarding the purpose of the vaccine, its safety, eligibility and the procedure that would be followed during the campaign. Health representatives responded to the questions and provided information intended to address public concerns and improve understanding of the vaccination programme.

Tribal elder Haji Zamin Hussain Turi also spoke on the occasion and emphasised the importance of community cooperation in health-related initiatives. Social leaders Chairman Malik Syed Asghar, Sajid Kazmi and Syed Akhlaq Hussain, along with Principal Ashraf Ali and Private Schools Association President Muhammad Hayat Khan, also addressed the gathering.

The speakers stressed that schools, parents, community elders and social organisations could play an important role in spreading accurate information about the vaccination campaign. They called for collective efforts to counter misconceptions and encourage eligible families to participate.

The awareness session concluded with an emphasis on continued public engagement ahead of the vaccination campaign. Health officials said that further awareness activities would help communities better understand the purpose and safety of the vaccine and facilitate cooperation with vaccination teams across Kurram district.