Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination (MoNHSR&C) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening immunization efforts across the country, with particular focus on the upcoming Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign. Senior officials, provincial representatives, donor agencies, and development partners gathered for the National Inter-Agency Coordination Committee (NICC) meeting to review preparations and endorse new strategies for national immunization programs.
Chairing the meeting, Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Minister of State for NHSR&C, emphasized the vital role of the HPV vaccination campaign in preventing cervical cancer, the third most common cancer affecting women in Pakistan. He praised the collaborative work of all stakeholders involved in preparing for the campaign, highlighting that timely vaccination can save many lives.
During the session, the NICC reviewed and endorsed guidelines for the first phase of the HPV campaign. The committee also approved a transition in routine immunization practices, shifting from a five-dose Penta-1 vial to a ten-dose Penta-10 vial. Dr. Bharath stressed the necessity of refresher training for vaccinators to ensure high-quality service, and pointed out the importance of maintaining solid routine immunization and reaching underserved communities as essential to achieving national health goals. He acknowledged the significant contributions of development partners such as WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi in supporting these initiatives.
Hamed Yaqoob Shaikh, Secretary of MoNHSR&C, highlighted the continued need for collective effort to meet national commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He underlined the importance of the HPV campaign being inclusive and reaching both school-going and out-of-school girls, which he said was crucial for maximizing the campaign’s health impact.
Dr. Soofia Yunus, Director General FDI, reported that capacity-building and advocacy activities are already underway across the first-phase provinces and regions, backed by the technical and operational support from WHO and UNICEF. She stated that all planned campaign activities are progressing as scheduled, with vaccination and outreach targets on track.
The NICC meeting served as a platform to monitor progress, address challenges, and align strategies for national immunization efforts. Dr. Bharath concluded the meeting by expressing gratitude to all participants and development partners for their active engagement and ongoing support, expressing confidence that the set goals will be achieved through continued collaboration and dedication.
