A strategic advocacy seminar held at Quaid e Azam International Hospital brought together government, international and private health stakeholders to mobilize private-sector support for Pakistan’s first national HPV vaccine campaign targeting girls aged 9–14. Organized by DOPASI Foundation with leadership from the Federal Directorate of Immunization’s CSO Unit and support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the workshop aimed to build private health-sector capacity, raise awareness, and ensure equitable access to life-saving HPV vaccines.
The event was convened to prepare for the upcoming National HPV Vaccine Campaign by engaging private practitioners, hospital networks and professional associations in campaign planning and delivery. Organizers emphasized the role of private providers in expanding reach, improving community trust, and supporting routine immunization systems to maximize vaccine uptake among the target age group.
Leading public health and policy experts attended to share technical guidance and coordinate roles. Participants included Dr. Syeda Rashida Batool, District Health Officer Islamabad; Dr. Rozina Khalid from the World Health Organization; Dr. Saima Zubair, Secretary General of PRHPS; Dr. Irshad Jokhio, Director General Health Services CDA; Ms. Huma Khawar of Mannion Daniels; Dr. Tabinda Zaffar of Oxford Policy Management; Dr. Farhaj un Din of DOPASI Foundation; Dr. Muhammad Ajmal of the Pakistan Medical Association, Islamabad; Dr. Sumaila Tanweer of Quaid e Azam International Hospital; and Dr. Shaukat Ali Bangash, CEO of Quaid e Azam International Hospital.
Speakers discussed strategies to strengthen private-sector engagement, enhance community outreach and communication, and address barriers to equitable vaccine access. The session concluded with a collective pledge from participants to support implementation of the HPV campaign, increase awareness about cervical cancer prevention, and ensure that girls aged 9–14 across Pakistan can access the HPV vaccine through coordinated public–private efforts.
