Sindh launched a province-wide campaign to vaccinate girls against human papillomavirus (HPV) to prevent cervical cancer, with Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho and Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah leading the inaugural event in Karachi. The ceremony at Khatoon-e-Pakistan Government Girls School saw the first dose administered to a student as officials outlined plans to reach millions of girls through schools, health centers and outreach teams.
Dr. Azra Pechuho described the vaccination drive as a major step toward protecting girls’ long-term health and said she hopes Pakistan’s daughters will no longer suffer from cervical cancer. She noted that cervical cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Sindh and stressed that vaccinating girls now will protect future mothers.
The provincial government has set a target of vaccinating 4.1 million girls across Sindh. Vaccinations will be delivered through school-based programs, basic health centers and outreach initiatives to ensure broad coverage and access for girls who are out of school.
The health minister emphasized coordination with international and local partners, saying WHO, UNICEF and district health teams will play key roles in implementing the campaign. Officials said their goal is to ensure that no eligible girl is left unvaccinated.
Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah called on communities to protect their mothers, sisters and daughters and warned that directives have been issued to all public and private schools to participate. He said schools that refuse to cooperate will face action and expressed satisfaction that the campaign began at a government school, underscoring the state’s commitment to public health.
Both ministers appealed to parents to support the vaccination effort and urged wider attention to women’s health and related social issues. The campaign marks a coordinated push by provincial authorities to reduce cervical cancer through preventive vaccination.
