The Government of Pakistan has launched a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign aimed at preventing cervical cancer and protecting the health of young girls. The Federal Directorate of Immunization led the initiative, which will vaccinate girls aged 9 to 14 across multiple regions in a phased rollout and is being implemented with support from national and international health partners.
The campaign, titled the HPV Vaccination Campaign Against Cervical Cancer, was inaugurated by Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal. Officials described the initiative as a major step toward eliminating cervical cancer and improving long-term health outcomes for girls and communities across the country.
In the first phase, the campaign will vaccinate girls aged 9–14 in Punjab, Sindh, Azad Jammu & Kashmir and the Islamabad Capital Territory. Authorities said the program will proceed in additional phases to expand coverage nationwide and reach the target population across all provinces and territories.
Senior government and health officials attending the launch included Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar; Federal Health Secretary Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh; Dr. Ayesha Isani Majeed, Director General Health; Dr. Soofia Yunus, Director General; Dr. Syeda Rashida Batool, District Health Officer Islamabad, Federal Directorate of Immunization; Dr. Rana Muhammad Safdar, CDC; Dr. Muhammad Salman, Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute of Health; and Dr. Altaf Bosan of the National Emergency Operation Centre. International representatives included Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Pakistan, and Pernille Ironside, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, alongside other senior health dignitaries.
The campaign is being implemented with technical and logistical support from UNICEF, the World Health Organization, Jhpiego and other partner organizations, highlighting a collaborative public health effort. Officials emphasized the vaccine’s role in preventing cervical cancer and reducing future healthcare burdens by protecting girls before exposure to the virus.
Health authorities urged parents and communities to participate actively in the campaign to ensure high coverage and protection for eligible girls. The initiative carries the message SehatMand Beti, SehatMand Gharana — Healthy daughter, healthy family — underscoring the broader social and familial benefits of immunization.
