Pakistan is set to launch its first-ever nationwide cervical cancer vaccination campaign, aimed at protecting young girls against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a major cause of cervical cancer.
The campaign will take place from September 15 to 27 in selected regions including Punjab, Sindh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Islamabad. It will primarily target girls aged 9 to 14 enrolled in both government and private schools. Registration for eligible students is currently underway.
To raise awareness, health authorities will send voice messages to parents and guardians emphasizing the importance, safety, and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine. The vaccination campaign will be conducted through multiple channels including school-based programs, fixed vaccination centers, community health units, and mobile teams to ensure widespread coverage.
Each eligible girl will receive a single dose of the HPV vaccine, which significantly reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer later in life. Health workers will visit schools to administer the vaccine directly, ensuring no eligible student is missed.
Officials hailed the vaccination drive as a landmark achievement in strengthening Pakistan’s public health infrastructure and a vital step toward preventing one of the most common yet preventable cancers affecting women. The initiative is expected to protect future generations and reduce the national burden of cervical cancer.
