Drass, Apr 24 : In an effort to expand awareness on preventive healthcare in Kargil district, health authorities in Drass enlisted the support of local Imam Jumas to promote the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, urging them to use Friday sermons as a platform to encourage immunisation among eligible girls.
The meeting, held at the office of the Block Medical Officer, was attended by prominent religious leaders from across Drass Block, alongside medical officials including Dr. Ahsan Ali, Shabir Ahmad and Mudasir Ahmad.
Officials used the interaction to brief participants on the public health importance of the HPV vaccine, particularly its role in preventing cervical cancer. The discussion focused on addressing prevailing hesitations, reinforcing the safety profile of the vaccine, and underlining the need for early immunisation to reduce long-term health risks.
With religious leaders playing a central role in community life in the region, the health department sought their cooperation in disseminating accurate information during congregational gatherings. The appeal comes amid continued efforts to bridge awareness gaps in remote areas, where access to reliable health information remains uneven.
Participants were requested to sensitise families about the benefits of vaccination and to encourage parents to ensure that eligible girls receive the vaccine in a timely manner. Officials stressed that such community-led messaging could help improve acceptance and uptake of the programme.
At the close of the meeting, Dr. Ahsan Ali acknowledged the role of the clerics in strengthening public outreach, expressing appreciation for their willingness to support the initiative. He noted that collaboration between healthcare providers and community leaders remains essential to advancing preventive health measures in the district.
The outreach forms part of a broader strategy by the local health administration to integrate community institutions into its awareness campaigns, with a focus on improving immunisation coverage and promoting early prevention of disease.
