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| Photo by Nahi Khabar 24/7 – via Personal Collection |
Pakistan has officially launched its first nationwide HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination campaign, marking a major milestone in the country’s public health sector. The initiative aims to protect millions of young girls from cervical cancer — one of the fastest-rising cancers among women in Pakistan.
According to the Ministry of Health, the campaign will initially target girls aged 9 to 14 years, the most effective age group for HPV prevention. The vaccine, administered in two doses, has been proven globally to significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer, which claims thousands of lives each year in Pakistan.
The government has secured over 13 million doses of the HPV vaccine, with support from international partners including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. Schools across Pakistan have been directed to cooperate in identifying eligible students, while health workers will also reach out to communities to ensure no child is left behind.
Health Minister stated that the campaign reflects Pakistan’s commitment to women’s health and cancer prevention. “Cervical cancer is preventable, and through HPV vaccination, we are safeguarding the future of our daughters,” he said.
Public health experts have welcomed the campaign as a “historic step” toward reducing preventable cancers in Pakistan. They stressed the importance of awareness campaigns so parents understand the safety and necessity of the HPV vaccine.
The nationwide drive is expected to save thousands of lives in the coming years and marks the beginning of a long-term strategy to eliminate cervical cancer in Pakistan.
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