A cancer awareness seminar at Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad brought together Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre and The Expanded Programme on Immunization – Pakistan to promote HPV vaccination among students and staff.
Dr. Soofia Yunus, Director General of the Federal Directorate of Immunization, delivered an in-depth talk on how the HPV vaccination can prevent cervical and other HPV-related cancers, outlining the vaccine’s background and long-term benefits.
Dr. Soofia addressed common concerns and limitations surrounding the HPV vaccination and explained the role of coordinated vaccination programs in Pakistan. She stressed that the vaccine is a safe and effective measure to protect daughters and future generations from preventable cancers.
The seminar urged academic institutions such as Quaid-i-Azam University to actively support on-campus vaccination drives and to work with healthcare partners to expand access. Organisers highlighted the importance of public awareness and collaboration between universities, cancer centres and the immunization programme to increase uptake of the HPV vaccination across the city and beyond.
