DHAKA, Nov 5, 2023 (BSS) - Bangladesh Police Women Welfare Association (PUNAK) has

started a vaccination campaign against cervical cancer at Rajarbag Central Police

Hospital here today.

PUNAK president Dr Tayyaba Musarrat Jaha Chowdhury inaugurated the HPV (human

papillomavirus) vaccination programme to prevent cervical cancer at as chief guest.
She said that breast cancer and cervical cancer in Bangladesh have been increasing at

an alarming rate, adding, “The programme will continue till November 9.”

“But most of these cancers can be prevented through changing lifestyle,” Dr Tayyaba,

Associate Professor of the Red Crescent Holy Family Hospital added.

The government has started an HPV vaccination campaign aimed at reducing cervical

cancer mortality, which was included in the EPI schedule. A total of 100 PUNAK members

will be given HPV vaccinations.

The PUNAK president declared her solidarity with the government’s programme. In line

with that, the HPV vaccination has been arranged for PUNAK members and their daughters

and staff between the aged of 15 to 45.

PUNAK'S general secretary Nasim Amin, vice presidents Afroza Parveen and Prothma

Rahman Siddiqui and health affairs secretary Dr Fatema Jasmine and Director of Central

Police Hospital (DIG) Sheikh Mohammad Rezaul Haider were present, among others.
It is noted that the cervical cancer is the second highest cancer among the women in

the country. This cancer is caused by a virus called HPV.

According to the information of the International Agency for Research on Cancer in

2018, more than 12,000 women in Bangladesh have been diagnosed with cervical cancer

every year and about 6,500 women used to die. But cervical cancer is preventable and

curable.