ISLAMABAD: Under the leadership of the Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI) and with the support of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Dopasi Foundation organized a high-level seminar in Islamabad to raise awareness about the ongoing National Vaccination Campaign to prevent Cervical Cancer. The event brought together Members of Parliament, senior health officials, and development partners to highlight the importance of protecting adolescent girls against cervical cancer.
The seminar was attended by Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, alongside parliamentarians Dr. Shazia Soomro, Dr. Shahida Rehmani, Shehla Raza, and Farah Naz Akbar. Asia Tanoli and Kiran Baloch also joined online. Among the distinguished participants were Dr. Khurram Shahzad (Director Technical, FDI), Dr. Syeda Rashida Batool (DHO Islamabad), Ms. Huma Khawar (MannionDaniels), and Dr. Rozina Khalid (WHO).
In his remarks, Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal thanked Dopasi Foundation to organize this much-needed seminar to involve members of the parliament and stressed the government’s resolve to make the campaign a success despite negative propaganda. “Our duty is to sincerely put all our efforts into ensuring this campaign secures the future of our daughters and sisters. The HPV vaccine is completely safe, and misinformation must not distract us from our responsibility. A single dose of this vaccine costs nearly PKR 7,500, yet the Government of Pakistan is providing it free of cost. I urge all parents to take advantage of this opportunity and vaccinate their daughters,” he said.
A highlight of the event was a presentation by CEO Dopasi Foundation, Ms. Kinz-ul-Eman who outlined the Foundation’s extensive work in the Islamabad Capital Territory region under three pillars: Community Awareness, Advocacy, and Preparing Healthcare Providers. She shared that Dopasi has been actively conducting high-level media engagement, community outreach, advocacy sessions with schools and hospitals, and has also launched an HPV vaccine awareness podcast series to raise awareness at every platform. These initiatives were applauded by the Federal Minister and parliamentarians. She emphasized the importance of parliamentary support, particularly from leaders in the health and education sectors, in countering myths and advancing the campaign. She thanked the Federal Minister for his leadership in making this milestone possible and ensuring Pakistan becomes the 151st country to introduce the HPV vaccine into its immunization program.
To combat misinformation, earlier this week, Dopasi Foundation also engaged leading social media influencers through a dedicated seminar to amplify the awareness and advocacy on digital platforms in order to counter myths and spread accurate information about the vaccine’s safety and benefits.
Parliamentarians also voiced strong support. Dr. Shahida Rehmani, underscored the urgent need to address myths surrounding the vaccine and called for awareness at every level, especially in schools and communities. The guest of honor Ms. Farah Naz Akbar (Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Education and Professional Training) urged citizens to act responsibly, saying: “We must be vigilant about what we hear, watch, and share on social and digital media. Fighting misinformation is everyone’s responsibility.”
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from government officials, parliamentarians, and civil society by signing the pledge wall and to work collectively for the success of the campaign. Participants agreed that eliminating cervical cancer requires strong political will, community engagement, and collective responsibility.
