Eliminating cervical cancer

In the recent weeks, there have been reports highlighting developments made locally and globally towards elimination of a major health concern –cervical cancer— affecting hundreds of thousands of women.

Matching to other provinces in the country, Sindh has also started preparations for introducing a preventive human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV). World Health Organisation (WHO) has also approved two more new HPV vaccines for global marketing, which are being seen as a good omen, as unified approach and actions have emerged towards eliminating cervical cancer from everywhere across the globe.

Cervical cancer, attributed to the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract, is a major health issue in low and middle income countries including those in South Asia. It is estimated that every two minutes, a woman dies of cervical cancer globally. South Asia accounts for 22.2% of global cervical cancer cases and 26.4% of cervical cancer deaths.

At present as much as 141 countries have introduced HPV vaccination through their routine immunisation programmes, while the target is to have 194 countries utilising the vaccine in their deserving girl population by 2030.     

As the elimination of cervical cancer has now become a global priority, it is befitting to learn that Sindh has also entered in the planning phase of introducing the HPV vaccine for girls aged 9-14 years, with the beginning of advocacy discussions.

With the disturbing facts that about 5,000 new cervical cancer cases are diagnosed annually, authorities hope that the vaccine in the first phase will be introduced in Punjab, Sindh and Islamabad in 2025.

Besides, there is a need to screen the women adult population, particularly in Sindh’s rural areas where, as apprehended by experts, the poverty-hit populations are mostly at the risk of developing cervical cancer.

At this juncture, it is expected from the officials at the helm of health affairs in the country that stricter and foolproof implementation of any devised policy will be ensured optimally this time, with launching robust awareness and advocacy campaigns. Any repeat of not-so-convincing history of routine vaccination activities meant for children will hopefully be avoided this time.

Editorial/Social Track, Karachi, Pakistan