The first-ever cervical cancer vaccine is being administered on women, ushering in a new era in the health sector to combat the deadly disease in the country, reports BSS.

Bangladesh Cervical Vaccination Programme Committee (BCCVPC) and Oncology Club have jointly initiated the pilot vaccination programme by selecting 60 economically disadvantaged women for free service.

Health and Family Welfare Adviser Dr AMM Shawkat Ali inaugurated the vaccine administration programme Saturday at a city hotel, joined, among others, by renowned oncologists from home and abroad.

The vaccination is being conducted by the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).

Addressing the function, Dr Shawkat Ali said with the innovation of this vaccine, the people of Bangladesh would get better healthcare service from now. Particularly, the downtrodden women, not able to get treatment of such a deadly disease, will be more benefited," he said.

Speaking about the idea of introducing the vaccine, Chairman of Oncology Club and Professor of Vrije University in Amsterdam ABMF Karim said the initiative was taken as part of Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus's concept of Social Business.

Professor Karim, who chaired the function, described the initiative as an epoch- making mission in the area of the country's health sector and said not only Bangladesh but also other SAARC countries would immensely benefit from this vaccine.

Professor Sabera Begum, who is involved with the pilot vaccination project, said the Human Papillona Virus (HPV) vaccine is being administered on the selected 60 women. Their treatment will be followed up for at least five years, she added.

Health Secretary AMM Nasir Uddin and Director General of the Directorate of Health Services Professor Dr MA Faiz, among others, were present on the occasion.