In a landmark move for women’s health, Pakistan is set to launch its first-ever nationwide HPV vaccination campaign, aiming to protect millions of young girls from cervical cancer. This bold public health step could reshape the future of disease prevention across the country.
Pakistan is gearing up for a historic leap in preventive healthcare. From September 15 to 27, the country will roll out its first national Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive, covering Punjab, Sindh, Azad Kashmir, and Islamabad. The campaign targets girls between the ages of 9 and 14, enrolling both public and private school students. Leveraging fixed health centers, mobile teams, and in-school vaccination programs, the initiative aims to drastically reduce the risk of cervical cancer in future generations. Awareness efforts already include voice messaging to parents, highlighting the campaign’s safety and long-term health benefits.
Why This HPV Drive Matters for Pakistan
Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable yet ultimately fatal non-communicable diseases affecting women in South Asia. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies it as highly preventable through vaccination and early screening.
WHO is supporting the HIP vaccination campaign by training over 49,000 health workers, ensuring proper vaccine administration and community outreach. The initiative is expected to reach close to 13 million girls, offering long-term protection while easing future public health costs.
Health Impact and Preventive Promise
Immediate Protection
Each participant will receive a single dose of the HPV vaccine, which has proven highly effective in preventing the HPV strains that cause most cervical cancers.
Community Health Boost
Sending targeted awareness messages to parents ensures informed consent and builds trust in vaccination, a key component for public health success.
Reducing Mortality
In Pakistan, cervical cancer accounts for thousands of diagnoses and nearly 64% mortality among affected women annually due to late detection and limited access to treatment.
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Implementation Plan and Execution
| Component | Details |
| Start Date | September 15, 2025 |
| Duration | Runs through September 27, 2025 |
| Target Group | Girls aged 9–14 years in public and private schools |
| Regions Covered | Punjab, Sindh, Azad Kashmir, Islamabad Capital Territory |
| Vaccine Type | Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, single-dose administration |
| Delivery Sites | Schools, community centers, fixed health units, and mobile teams |
| Support Strategy | Voice messages to parents, school health team engagement, broad media outreach |
| Training Partners | WHO trained 49,000+ health workers for this campaign |
What’s Next
This national HPV vaccination drive marks a significant turning point for women’s health in Pakistan. By protecting millions of young girls against cervical cancer, the campaign not only saves lives but also lays the groundwork for a stronger, more informed public health system. Consistent follow-up, community awareness, and integration with screening programs will be essential to build on this momentum.
