DOPASI Foundation organised a high-level advocacy seminar under the leadership of the Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI-CSO Unit) and The Expanded Programme on Immunization – Pakistan, with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to strengthen the ongoing National HPV Vaccination Campaign in Islamabad.
Parliamentary leadership on health and education attended the event alongside senior health officials and development partners, including the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, the Islamabad District Health Officer, World Health Organization Pakistan, UNICEF Pakistan and the Gates Foundation. Senior parliamentarians present included Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, Dr. Shazia Soomro, Dr. Shahida Rehmani, Shehla Raza and Farah Naz Akbar.
The HPV vaccine is completely safe, and misinformation must not distract us from our responsibility. This vaccine, worth PKR 7,500 per dose, is being provided free of cost by the Government of Pakistan. I urge all parents to vaccinate their daughters to secure their future. The minister emphasised urgent collective action to protect girls across the country and to bolster the national HPV vaccination effort.
Ms. Kinz Ul Eman, CEO of DOPASI Foundation, outlined the organisation’s three-pronged approach to support the campaign through community awareness, sustained advocacy and targeted healthcare provider training. DOPASI’s activities highlighted at the seminar included high-level media engagement, awareness sessions in schools and hospitals, and robust digital media advocacy to reach parents and communities.
Parliamentarians pledged their support to counter myths at every level and called on citizens to act responsibly on social and digital platforms to prevent the spread of false information. The session underscored the importance of partnership between lawmakers, health officials and civil society to raise vaccine confidence and increase coverage for HPV vaccination.
Leaders at the seminar renewed their commitment to work hand-in-hand towards a healthier, cervical cancer free Pakistan, reaffirming the campaign slogan Sehatmand Beti, Sehatmand Gharana as a guiding principle for action.
