Secretary of Health for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Shahid Ullah Khan, has announced that the government has initiated extensive programs aimed at educating the public about the control of cervical cancer, which poses an emerging public health challenge affecting 162 countries globally, including Pakistan.
During a meeting he chaired, he emphasized the seriousness of the issue, stating that cervical cancer, primarily caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related fatalities among women.
He noted that in KP alone, approximately 140,000 women are currently at risk of HPV infection, adding that if the disease is not treated, it can advance to precancerous lesions and invasive cervical cancer.
He remarked that the disease has a high mortality rate, with nearly two out of every three women diagnosed with it succumbing to the illness due to late detection, insufficient screening coverage, and a lack of awareness.
“Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable if identified early. However, it continues to take lives due to delays in diagnosis and vaccination,” he stated.
Health Secretary reaffirms commitment to HPV awareness
He informed that the provincial health department has launched a comprehensive, multi-faceted prevention program aimed at enhancing community awareness campaigns and educating women and families about risk factors, symptoms, and the significance of regular screening.
The meeting was attended by the Director General of Health, public health experts, and representatives from various departments.
International development partners, including UNICEF, Gavi, the World Health Organization (WHO), Jhpiego, Acacus, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, also participated, along with officials from national and provincial Health Emergency Operations Centers.
Participants also evaluated the roadmap for implementing a province-wide cervical cancer control campaign that aligns with global strategies for the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health issue.
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