HPV Vaccine Roll Out: A Public Health Breakthrough

The Community Health Directorate of Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) organized a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session titled “HPV Vaccine Roll Out: A Public Health Breakthrough” at the Seminar Hall, Old Building, IHHN. The session carried 3.0 CME hours, endorsed by Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS).

The event highlighted the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for adolescent girls aged 9–14 years — a landmark public health intervention to prevent cervical cancer in Pakistan. Dr. Nida Shamsi, Regional Head, South, Community Health Directorate, welcomed the participants, while Dr. Farhana Rahman, Specialist Family Medicine, moderated the session.

The initial talked by Dr. Wajiha Omair, focused on breaking taboos on HPV screening and education for women and families. Dr. Mubushra Samina, Consultant Gynecologist, shared insights on HPV and cervical cancer threats and prevention; whereas Dr. Sadiah Ahsan Pal presented the global and national initiatives in cervical cancer prevention. The last talk was given by Dr. Mah Talat, Executive Director, Community Health Directorate, who briefed about the Indus Initiative for HPV Vaccination across Sindh. Dr. Sohail Sheikh, Additional Director and Project Director EPI Sindh, discussed the HPV vaccine as the first-ever cancer prevention vaccine, while also presenting the government’s perspective on the Sindh HPV vaccine initiative.

A panel discussion and Q/A session brought together all speakers to explore ways of strengthening HPV prevention strategies. The session concluded with remarks from Dr. Hiba Ashraf, Director, Community Health Directorate, followed by a special address from Dr. Zafar Zaidi, CEO, IHHN, during the certificate distribution ceremony.

The CME emphasized that HPV vaccination for adolescent girls is a milestone in cancer prevention and underscored the importance of collaboration between IHHN, GAVI, and EPI Sindh. Participants agreed that community engagement is vital to dispel myths and ensure vaccine acceptance.

“The HPV vaccine represents the first-ever vaccine that can prevent a cancer — its roll-out is a decisive step toward reducing cervical cancer burden in Pakistan.” — Dr. Sohail Sheikh