KP Health Secy terms cervical cancer an emerging health challenge

Peshawar  -  Chairing a high-level meeting, Secretary Health Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shahid Ullah Khan, has termed cervical cancer an emerging public health challenge affecting 162 countries worldwide, including Pakistan, with significant risks to women’s health—particularly adolescent girls and young women. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, he noted that cervical cancer, primarily caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone, an estimated 140,000 women are currently at risk of HPV infection, which, if left untreated, can progress to precancerous lesions and invasive cervical carcinoma. Trump claims ‘complete victory’ after Iran ceasefire, report says The Secretary emphasized that the disease carries a high mortality rate, with nearly two out of every three diagnosed women succumbing to the illness due to late detection, limited screening coverage, and lack of awareness. “Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable if detected early, yet it continues to claim lives due to gaps in timely diagnosis and vaccination,” he said. Taking serious note of this growing burden, the KP Health Department has initiated a comprehensive, multi-pronged prevention programme, he said. PTI welcomes US-Iran ceasefire, calls for lasting regional peace The programme also focuses on community awareness campaigns to educate women and families about risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of regular screening. The meeting was attended by the Director General Health, public health experts, and representatives from various departments. International development partners including UNICEF, Gavi, the World Health Organization (WHO), Jhpiego, Acacus, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation also participated, along with officials from national and provincial Health Emergency Operations Centers. Participants reviewed the roadmap for launching a province-wide cervical cancer control campaign, aligned with global strategies for the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. Ambassador presents Quaid-e-Azam speeches’ collection to National Library in Ankara