SAHIWAL – In a major stride toward transforming women’s public health, Deputy Commissioner Sahiwal, Shahid Mehmood, officially inaugurated the provincial HPV vaccination campaign aimed at eradicating cervical cancer.
The launch ceremony, held at the Government Girls High School, Sirki Bazar, marks the beginning of a “historic and revolutionary” initiative by the Government of Punjab to protect the next generation of women from one of the world’s deadliest diseases.
Protecting the Future: Safe and Cost-Free
The campaign specifically targets girls between the ages of 9 and 14. During the ceremony, DC Mehmood assured parents and guardians that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine provided is:
Completely Free of Cost: Part of a subsidized government health mandate.
Internationally Standardized: Developed and distributed with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Scientifically Safe: Rigorously tested to ensure the highest safety standards for young students.
“This step will not only help protect future generations from a deadly disease but will also significantly improve the overall health indicators for women in our region,” stated the Deputy Commissioner.
A Collaborative Community Effort
The event saw a strong showing of provincial and local leadership, reflecting the high priority placed on the drive. Notable attendees included:
Muhammad Arshad Malik (Member of the Provincial Assembly)
Dr. Abdul Majeed Niazi (CEO Health)
Tanveer Ahmad Ghazali (CEO District Education Authority)
DC Mehmood emphasized that the success of the drive relies heavily on parents, teachers, and community leaders. He urged the public to act as ambassadors for the cause, specifically calling on them to disregard negative rumors and focus on the life-saving benefits of the immunization.
Access and Assistance
The district administration has pledged full support to ensure the vaccine reaches every eligible girl in Sahiwal. To ensure transparency and provide a platform for public concerns, the Government of Punjab has highlighted two dedicated helplines for guidance or complaints:
| Service | Contact Number |
| Provincial Health Helpline | 1166 |
| Citizen Support & Guidance | 1033 |
The ceremony concluded with the Deputy Commissioner appreciating the proactive role of educators and health workers who are currently on the front lines of this milestone health mission.