ISLAMABAD: Cervical cancer is the sixth most common cancer in women across the globe and in the year 2020, around 47,500 women died from the disease in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR).

This was highlighted by Prof Dr Nabia Tariq, head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, at Maroof International Hospital at an awareness session.

The event was organised with the support of Ministry of National Health Services, Unicef and World Health Organisation (WHO). The event saw participation of Dr Shazia Aslam Soomro (parliamentary secretary Ministry of Health), Dr Sabina Imran Durrani (director general, Population Ministry), Dr Samia Rizwan (health specialist at Unicef country office Islamabad) and others.

Dr Nabia said annually, an estimated 89,800 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in the EMR.

“When diagnosed, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively,” she said.

Another speaker Dr Gulfashana Hafeez Khan emphasised on the importance of young women to remain informed. “Find out the facts. Help educate other women in your life too and get screened,” she added.

It is worth mentioning that January is observed as Cervical Cancer Awareness month globally. Unfortunately, very few young females in Pakistan know about it.

Dr Shazia Aslam Soomro said that the government had its own limitations regarding resources however with such collaborations with the private sectors, it could achieve great milestones.

Haroon Naseer, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Maroof International Hospital said that joint efforts from the private and public sector were required to take all stakeholders on board.

“We are running a 100-bed free hospital in Bewal village. We were at the forefront of helping people at the time of calamities like floods and Covid-19,” he said.

Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2023