AT an awareness session hosted by the Idara Bait-ul-Quran in Lahore, the room buzzed with a rare and powerful mix of science, faith and community spirit. Over 30 participants — religious leaders and community advocates from diverse backgrounds — gathered to champion the health and protection of young girls and to work together to raise awareness about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to protect girls from cervical cancer.

One speaker noted: “Taking care of your health is a responsibility in Islam.” Others talked of how healthcare was supported by respected religious scholars in countries like Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Libya, where this vaccine is part of routine immunisation programmes. It is the only vaccine that prevents cervical cancer — just a jab safeguards girls’ future. Civil society representatives, both men and women, answered questions, offering convincing responses to reassure community members.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally; alarmingly, it was found to be the second most common one among women in Pakistan. Though preventable, it claims the life of women every two minutes — 94 per cent of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, according........

© Dawn