Islamabad Launches Landmark HPV Vaccine Campaign to Eliminate Cervical Cancer
Islamabad: In a historic step for women’s health, the District Health Office (DHO) Islamabad has announced the launch of a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign to protect girls from cervical cancer. The initiative, led by District Health Officer Dr. Syeda Rashida Batool with support from UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), is being hailed as a life-saving milestone for Pakistan’s public health system. The campaign aims to provide free HPV vaccinations to girls aged 9 to 14, with the long-term goal of eliminating cervical cancer in the country. Health authorities described the effort as a national cause, underscoring its significance for future generations.
Addressing senior health reporters, Dr. Batool highlighted the critical importance of the vaccination drive. She described cervical cancer as a “silent killer” that is almost entirely preventable through timely immunization. “This is more than a health campaign; it is a national cause and a form of sadqa-e-jaria,” she said. “By vaccinating our daughters today, we are saving mothers, sisters, and daughters of tomorrow. We are saving entire families from the devastation of this disease.”
The HPV vaccine will be administered free of charge, using the safe and effective single-dose Cevolin vaccine. Following the initial rollout, the HPV vaccine will become part of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), ensuring routine coverage for all 9-year-old girls. Officials stressed that the campaign is designed for accessibility and sustainability, with health workers mobilized across schools, clinics, and communities.
The media briefing featured open dialogue with senior journalists including Nadeem Chawdary, Waqar Bhatti, Jahangir Khan, Rahul, Razia Syed etc. Reporters raised questions on transparency, data sharing, and strategies to combat misinformation. In response, Dr. Batool announced that the District Health Office would establish a Crisis Communication Room, appoint a dedicated focal person for media queries, and launch a WhatsApp group to keep journalists updated in real time. “You are our faces to the public,” she told reporters. “Your accurate and positive messaging is crucial for the success of this campaign.”
Experts from UNICEF and WHO reinforced the urgency of preventive action. Dr. Asmara Malik of UNICEF explained that while national cancer data collection is ongoing, the high mortality rate of reported cases highlights the need for immediate prevention. Dr. Farah from WHO added that HPV vaccination is already part of routine immunization in several Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bangladesh, and has proven highly effective worldwide.
The session concluded with a strong sense of shared purpose, as journalists and health authorities pledged to work together to ensure the campaign’s success.
