KHYBER
To protect girls aged 9 to 14 against cervical cancer, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign officially kicked off in Khyber on Wednesday.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Khyber Shahid Ali on Tuesday, formally inaugurated the vaccination drive that will continue from 11 November till 24 November, 2026.
Speaking on the occasion, DC Khyber urged parents, religious scholars, tribal elders, teachers and members of the public to extend full cooperation to the campaign and ensure that girls aged 9 to 14 receive the HPV vaccine.
According to the Dr Mohibullah EPI coordinator Khyber, under the 12 days long campaign, the target of 88000 eligible girls across the district will be administered the HPV vaccine to protect them against cervical cancer, a life-threatening disease.
For the purpose, the official added, a total of 102 teams had been formed to conduct door-to-door vaccination across the district, while four fixed teams had been deployed at designated hospitals and health centers to facilitate the vaccination process
Mobile teams would visit schools ,madaress houses in addition to remote and hard-to-reach areas to ensure that no eligible girl was left without access to the life-saving vaccine, the official said.
The campaign is being carried out through joint efforts of the Health Department, district administration, MERF and other relevant organizations.
As per officials besides vaccination, special arrangements have been made for community awareness, social mobilization and parental guidance to address public concerns and encourage participation.
The campaign is being described as an important step towards preventing cervical cancer and safeguarding the health and future of young girls.
