Rotary Karachi walk raises mouth cancer, drug abuse

KARACHI: Rotary clubs in Karachi organised 'Walk a Cause – Mouth Cancer Awareness, Polio Awareness and Drug Abuse' , bringing together healthcare professionals, government officials, civil society representatives and community organisations to raise awareness about oral cancer, harmful substance use, drug abuse and the continuing need for polio prevention. The campaign was organised with the collaboration of the Narcotics Control Department Sindh and the Anti Narcotics Force, combining public-health awareness with a broader community message aimed particularly at young people and families. The walk began at McDonald's sea view at 7:10am and concluded at Nishan-e-Pakistan, where a closing ceremony was held. Senior Rotary leaders and distinguished guests addressed participants before shields and certificates were distributed to guests and supporting organisations. Mouth cancer, tobacco and drug abuse at the centre of campaign The initiative placed particular emphasis on preventing diseases associated with tobacco and other harmful substances, including gutka, chalia, niswar and tobacco, while also highlighting the wider health and social consequences of drug abuse. Honnak Baloch, Director General Narcotics & Control, Government of Sindh, who attended as chief guest, stressed the importance of collective action against narcotics, drug abuse and harmful substances. He particularly highlighted their impact on public health and young people, reinforcing the need for stronger awareness and prevention efforts at the community level. The focus on gutka, chalia, niswar and tobacco also brought oral health into the centre of the campaign, highlighting the importance of discouraging exposure to substances associated with serious oral and systemic health risks. Rotary highlights prevention, early detection District Governor Shahzad Sabir emphasised Rotary's commitment to community service and public-health awareness. He stressed that prevention, early detection and vaccination require sustained participation from communities rather than one-time awareness activities. The campaign therefore connected three major public-health priorities—mouth cancer prevention, substance-abuse awareness and polio prevention—through a single community-focused initiative. Collaboration seen as key to wider health awareness DG MOFA Irfan Soomro highlighted the importance of collaboration between Rotary, public institutions and community organisations in addressing health and social challenges. The event was chaired by Dr. Syed Naveed Manzoor, Chair, Oral Health Committee and President, Rotary Club of Karachi Pearl (RCK Pearl), while Dr. Kausar Tariq, Co-Chair, Oral Health Committee, played a key role in the initiative. The campaign was supported by Naveed Adenwalla, President 2026–27, Rotary Club of Karachi Educational Development, alongside participating Rotary clubs and community partners. Multiple Rotary clubs join Karachi health campaign The initiative brought together several Rotary clubs, including: Rotary Club of Karachi Pearl (RCK Pearl) Rotary Club of Karachi Sunset Millennium (RCK Sunset Millennium) Rotary Club of Karachi Quaid (RCK Quaid) Rotary Club of Karachi Educational Development (RCK Educational Development) Rotary Club of Karachi Happy Palace (RCK Happy Palace) Rotary Club of Karachi Environment (RCK Environment) The programme was additionally supported by RCK Roshni, RCK Centennial and RCK Sunrise. The participation of multiple clubs reflected an effort to take the awareness message beyond individual organisations and reach a wider cross-section of Karachi's communities. Dental, healthcare representatives among recognised guests The closing ceremony brought together representatives from healthcare, dentistry, civil society and public institutions. Among the distinguished personalities recognised were District Governor Shahzad Sabir; District Governor-Elect (DGE) Fahad Sikander; District Governor-Nominee (DGN) Abdul Jabbar Sheikh; DG MOFA Irfan Soomro; Chief Guest Honnak Baloch; MPA Rehan Bandukda; Dr. Noor ul Wahab of the Pakistan Dental Association; Mazhar Valgee of Kiran Hospital and Kiran Patients Welfare Society; Dr. Annie Talaal; Durdana Arshad; Areeba Hunain of HOL Foundation; and Major Saleem of the Anti-Narcotics Force. Representatives of participating Rotary clubs, healthcare organisations, academia and civil society also attended the programme. The event brought particular attention to the need to discourage the use of gutka, chalia, niswar and tobacco, while reinforcing awareness around drug abuse and the importance of maintaining collective efforts to keep Pakistan polio-free. The broader objective was to encourage families, young people and communities to recognise preventable health risks and make healthier choices. Closing ceremony recognises partners, volunteers The closing ceremony was hosted by PP Syed Kashif Rafi, Advisor to the District Governor 2026–27, who thanked the distinguished guests, Rotary leadership, participating clubs, partners and volunteers for supporting the campaign. The programme concluded with the presentation of shields and certificates to distinguished guests and supporting organisations. Beyond the walk itself, the campaign highlighted a broader public-health message: preventing mouth cancer and substance-related disease, protecting children through vaccination and maintaining awareness about drug abuse all require sustained community engagement. By bringing oral health, substance-abuse prevention and polio awareness together in one public campaign, the Karachi initiative sought to turn a single awareness event into a wider call for healthier communities. Stay connected with Dental News Pakistan CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW the official Dental News Pakistan WhatsApp Channel for the latest PMDC updates, dental education news, student achievements, professional developments, research breakthroughs and important regulatory developments affecting Pakistan's dental community.