The Impressive TimesPunjab [Pakistan], September 28 : A team of female health workers administering the HPV vaccine in Mandi Bahauddin’s Ratuwal village was attacked on Saturday, marking the second such incident in three days.
According to police, a 55-year-old villager attempted to assault a female health supervisor with a stick and a chair, causing panic and forcing the vaccination drive to stop. Health Supervisor Shamim Anjum said despite earlier assurances, no effective security measures were in place.
This follows a similar attack on September 25 in Chak No. 38, where another HPV team was assaulted. The HPV vaccine, introduced in Pakistan in 2022, aims to immunize 90% of girls aged 9–14 by 2025 against cervical cancer.
Police have registered a case against the suspect under relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, with an arrest expected. Health workers have warned that without proper police protection, vaccination efforts may be halted.
No Comments: