Dhaka Medical College has started a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme for its students to prevent cervical cancer. The programme, run by the gynaecological oncology unit, was opened in the college's VVF conference room on Wednesday, 30 September.
Vice-principal Professor Dr Musarrat Sultana presided, with Professor Dr Firoza Begum, president of OGSB, as chief guest. Special guests were principal Professor Dr Mazharul Shaheen, Dhaka Medical College Hospital director Brigadier General Dr A K M Farhad Hossain, deputy director Dr Ashraful Alam, and Associate Professor Dr Mirza Md Asaduzzaman, WHO focal point for cancer screening and elimination.
Speakers said persistent HPV infection is one of the main causes of cervical cancer and called the vaccine a far-sighted investment in protecting future generations of women. They stressed vaccinating girls and young women at the right age and raising awareness to clear up parents' misconceptions.
Specialists reminded the audience that although HPV vaccination is the main means of preventing cervical cancer, it is not a substitute for regular screening. A combined approach of prevention, vaccination, regular screening and prompt treatment can significantly cut the risk, they said.
The programme was held under the slogan 'prevention is better than treatment after cancer'.
Photo: melvil / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Source: Naya Diganta
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