Voices to Prevent Cervical Cancer: Media Forums & Coordination Meetings to Strengthen HPV Vaccination in AJK

MERF in collaboration with its partner organizations Community Services Program (CSP) and Aiming Change for Tomorrow (ACT), and in coordination with the District Health Department, organized an important awareness session titled “Media Forum: Role of Journalists and Community Influencers in Promoting HPV Awareness” in Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu & Kashmir.

The session was chaired by the District Health Officer Muzaffarabad, Dr. Abdul Mateen, who highlighted the effective role of journalists and community influencers in raising awareness about HPV. Raja Ateeq Ur Rehman, Project Manager, briefed participants on the session agenda and the role of civil society organizations in the HPV campaign.

Dr. Seemab (Gynecologist, AIMS Muzaffarabad) provided a detailed briefing on cervical cancer, its causes, prevention, and treatment, while Sheeran Musa, District Mufti Muzaffarabad, shared the Islamic perspective and guidance related to treatment. Ms. Saba, Assistant Director Training, also participated in the session.

Journalists, social media influencers, members of the Girls Guide Association, and young influencers actively participated, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing HPV awareness. MERF and its partners remain committed to informing communities and contributing to the elimination of cervical cancer.

Another Media Forum was organized titled “Role of Journalists and Community Influencers in Promoting HPV Awareness” in District Jhelum Valley AJK.

The forum was chaired by the District Health Officer (DHO), Dr. Tahir Rahim Mughal, who emphasized the vital role of journalists, community activists and influencers in raising public awareness about HPV prevention. Raja Ateeq Ur Rehman, Project Manager MERF, briefed participants on the objectives of the HPV awareness campaign and the critical role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in supporting pre-, intra and post-campaign interventions.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including the District Education Officer (DEO), Medical Superintendent (MS) of DHQ Hospital Jhelum Valley, District Mufti, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), media representatives, community influencers and CSOs. An interactive question-and-answer session followed, during which participants highlighted the HPV vaccine as a crucial preventive measure against cervical cancer. The discussion helped address misconceptions, clarify concerns and reinforce the importance of timely HPV vaccination to protect adolescent girls and improve long-term public health outcomes.

Following the media forum, a briefing-cum-advocacy meeting was held at the District Health Officer’s Office, Jhelum Valley, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner, Ms. Beenish Jarral. During the meeting, Raja Ateeq Ur Rehman further briefed the Deputy Commissioner on the HPV awareness campaign, while Dr. Tahir Rahim Mughal responded to technical queries and shared insights into the Health Department’s preparedness and implementation mechanisms.

Deputy Commissioner appreciated the collaborative efforts of CSOs and the Health Department in promoting HPV awareness and strengthening preventive healthcare initiatives and committed her full support at the district level. The meeting was attended by Peer Syed Ahsan Gilani, representative of the Seerat Committee and NGO forum, religious scholars (Ulema), community influencers, CSOs, media personnel and Police Department officials, reflecting strong multi-sectoral support for the HPV awareness initiative.