Lahore: Under the banner of the Pakistan Association of Pathologists (PAP), a landmark pre-conference symposium titled “Protecting Women from Cervical Cancer: Historic Launch of HPV Vaccine Awareness Campaign in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir” was held on 15 September 2025 at the Emerald Hall B, Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore. This event marks a new chapter in Pakistan’s public-health landscape, aiming to raise nationwide awareness of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and its role in preventing cervical cancer.
Organizers and Collaborators of The symposium was led by Prof. Mulazim Hussain Bukhari (President, Pakistan Association of Pathologists), in collaboration with Prof. Saira Afzal (Dean, Institute of Public Health), Dr. Wajiha Rizwan (President, Medical Women Association of Pakistan), and Mr. Zaffar Mahmood (Chairman, GMS).
The chief guest, Justice Abher Gul Khan (Judge, Lahore High Court), underscored the importance of the HPV vaccine and described the launch as a “milestone day” for public health in Pakistan she also inaugurated this by cutting the cake designed about the awareness of the vaccine.
Key Participants were the Prominent national and international experts, including Prof. Ayesha Humayun, Prof. Shamma Humayun, Prof. Zainab Rizvi, Dr. Wajiha Rizwan, Dr. Samra Khurram and Mr. Zaffar Mahmood, attended the event. Prof. Khalid Masood Gondal and Prof. Masood Sadiq could not attend due to prior commitments; they were represented by Prof. Junaid Rasheed (Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Child Health Sciences) and Prof. Shamsha Kanwal. Senior health professionals from the Institute of Public Health and other institutions also participated.
Prof Shamsa told that patents should come forward to vaccinate their kids to prevent the future HPV infection and cervical cancer. The Ayesha Humayun told about the burden of cancer in the world and Pakistan
Safety and Efficacy of the HPV Vaccine is reliable. Speakers highlighted that the HPV vaccine used in Pakistan has undergone rigorous international and national regulatory approvals, ensuring its safety, quality, and efficacy. Decades of global data show the vaccine prevents infection from high-risk HPV strains—particularly types 16 and 18—which cause approximately 95% of cervical cancer cases. Evidence from countries with long-standing vaccination programmes demonstrates a dramatic reduction in pre-cancerous lesions and new HPV infections among vaccinated populations. Public-health officials reassured parents and educators that the vaccine is safe for girls aged 9–14 years, produces a strong and lasting immune response, and does not affect fertility or future pregnancies. This scientific consensus formed the backbone of the day’s discussions, helping to counter myths and misinformation about the vaccine.
The symposium featured comprehensive discussions on cervical cancer epidemiology in Pakistan, global HPV vaccination statistics, benefits of school-based vaccination programmes, and screening strategies. Prof. Mulazim Hussain Bukhari highlighted the importance of screening and the ThinPrep® Pap Test programs for cancer prevention. Prof. Saira Afzal provided updates on the vaccine supply chain for schoolchildren in Punjab. Dr. Wajiha Rizwan addressed common myths and misconceptions about HPV vaccination.
An engaging panel discussion played a key role in addressing misconceptions and clarifying questions about the vaccine. Panellists included Prof. Javed Akram, Prof. Junaid Rasheed, Prof. Zafar Ali Chaudhry (Vice Chancellor, Faisalabad University), Prof. Tayebia Waseem (Principal, Allama Iqbal Medical College), Dr. Muhammad Anwar (Kagoshima University, Japan), and Dr. Samia Nizamuddin. The session was moderated by Dr. Wajiha Rizwan, with Prof. Zainab Rizvi and Dr. Rabia Islam serving as programme moderators.
To commemorate the vaccine’s introduction, the guest of honour ceremonially cut a cake and declared it a “historic day.” At the conclusion of the symposium, Prof. Mulazim Hussain Bukhari and Prof. Saira Afzal presented shields to speakers; Kashmiri shawls were gifted to female speakers and caps to male speakers.
A Historic Milestone for Public Health of this pre-conference symposium represents a significant milestone in raising awareness about the HPV vaccine in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, and in advancing collaborative public-health initiatives to prevent cervical cancer nationwide.
