In 2025, Pakistan launched its first-ever human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign to prevent cervical cancer, reaching over 9.6 million girls aged 9–14 years. This historic effort was made possible by 49,000 health workers trained with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), including frontline heroes such as Riffat, Saira, Shaheen, and Naheed. Cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge in Pakistan, affecting more than 5,000 women annually and claiming the lives of roughly 3,200 (64%). The campaign represented a crucial milestone in protecting girls and future generations from a preventable disease.
Union Council Medical Officer Riffat Naz and her team undertook months of detailed microplanning, mapping, and data collection, initially focusing on schools. However, unexpected resistance from school administrations and parents influenced by online misinformation limited school-based coverage. In response, the teams adapted by reaching out-of-school girls directly in their communities and nomadic settlements, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in the face of real-world challenges.
Social mobilizers like Saira Hassan played a vital role in countering misinformation and reassuring parents about the safety and effectiveness of the WHO-prequalified vaccine. By sharing science-based information and building trust in the community, she helped overcome myths and fears, reinforcing confidence in the vaccination program. WHO staff also contributed by vaccinating their own daughters and sharing their experiences publicly, strengthening the campaign’s credibility.
Vaccinators Shaheen Akhter and her assistant Naheed Akhter were central to field operations, addressing parental anxiety and ensuring girls felt safe during vaccination. While Shaheen focused on administering the vaccine, Naheed provided reassurance and emotional support, emphasizing care and empathy to calm families and encourage participation. Their efforts exemplified the personal dedication of health workers who see their own daughters in the faces of the girls they protect.
Together, these health workers embody the thousands of professionals who made Pakistan’s first cervical cancer vaccination campaign possible. While the campaign achieved a 66% coverage rate, signaling room for improvement, it has sparked a nationwide conversation about preventing cervical cancer and offers hope for the health of millions of girls in the country.
