Experts demand inclusion of cervical cancer vaccine in EPI

Islamabad

Health experts Thursday urged the government to take immediate measures to ensure availability of vaccine for cervical cancer through the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI). Twenty women in Pakistan die of cervical cancer every day.

The demand was tabled during a briefing arranged by United Against Cervical Cancer (UACC). According to the a study conducted by the World Health Organisation, the incidence of cervical cancer in Pakistan has increased from less than 9 per 100,000 in 2002 to 13.6 per 100,000 in 2008. This shows that the country is moving from low to moderate risk level, making it a danger zone where young girls are at a greater risk than before.

Addressing the briefing, Dr. Salma Kafeel, consultant obstetrician and head of the department of gynaecology at the Quaid-e-Azam International Hospital said, cervical cancer is the cancer of the cervix and is caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which is common and easily transmissible. Fortunately, vaccine is available to prevent cervical cancer but lack of awareness is causing loss of precious lives. She urged the government, policy makers, and parents to ensure women are screened and vaccinated against this deadly but preventable disease.

According to a WHO study, numerous tools and technologies exist to prevent cervical cancer. These interventions remain largely inaccessible to girls and women who need them the most. “Since cervical cancer is caused by a virus, every woman is at risk. The best time to get vaccinated is before marriage. However, all females from 9 years onwards can benefit from vaccine against cervical cancer. Getting the vaccine as early as possible will protect them in future,” Dr. Salma maintained.

Dr. Salma said, vaccination along with screening could reduce the incidence of cervical cancer by 94 per cent. Screening should continue even after vaccination, the panellists concluded.