IHHN Hosts HPV Advocacy Seminar: A Unified Front – Advancing HPV Prevention in Sindh

The Indus Hospital & Health Network hosted an HPV Advocacy Seminar titled “A Unified Front: Advancing HPV Prevention in Sindh” in Karachi. The event brought together key stakeholders, government representatives, healthcare professionals, and civil society members to highlight the urgent need for collective action against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer – one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women in Pakistan. The seminar served as the starting point for a larger dialogue on HPV vaccination, and set the stage for the national campaign for girls aged 9–14, scheduled to run from 15 to 27 September.

The Dr. Raj Kumar, Project Director for the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), Sindh, graced the seminar as the Chief Guest and deliver the keynote address in which he highlighted the key role vaccines play: “Every girl deserves the chance to grow up free from cervical cancer. The introduction of the EPI vaccine in Sindh is a groundbreaking step towards protecting the health and future of every girl. With this vaccine, we can save thousands of lives. This vaccination campaign reflects our government’s commitment to ensuring that no girl is left behind.”

The seminar opened with a welcome note and presentation by Dr. Abdul Bari, President of Indus Hospital & Health Network, who shared IHHN’s journey and initiatives in spearheading HPV awareness and vaccination efforts. He said: “This effort is deeply personal for us. Every girl vaccinated, free-of-cost, is a daughter whose future is safeguarded, and a community that grows stronger as a result. We are proud to walk hand-in-hand with the government to make this possible for all girls and their families.”

This was followed by an informative and interactive panel discussion led by experts from IHHN, EPI Sindh, and Mannion Daniels, the CSO fund manager for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The discussion was facilitated by Ms Sania Saeed, IHHN’s brand ambassador for childhood cancer. Commenting about the potential impact of the intervention, Dr Mah Talat, Executive Director of the Community Health Directorate of IHHN, said: “When I think about our teams reaching classrooms and communities, I am really thinking about girls who deserve every chance at a long and healthy life. This intervention is not just about vaccination, it is a promise to protect these girls, their potential, and keep hope alive for generations to come.”

The event culminated with a session featuring community-level impact and commitments, with an IHHN-trained Community Health Advocate, a government school teacher, and an adolescent girl explained their roles in increasing HPV awareness and the positive impact it can have in their communities.

The seminar highlighted the need for prevention through awareness, vaccination, and access to screening and treatment, and is expected to serve as a landmark step in Sindh’s health journey, ensuring that no girl is left behind in the fight against HPV.