The Government of Pakistan, through its Federal Directorate for Immunization (FDI) and in partnership with Gavi, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO), has launched a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign to protect adolescent girls from cervical cancer. This initiative represents a significant step in improving women’s health and advancing Pakistan’s goal to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat by 2030.
The first phase of the campaign, beginning on 15 September 2025, targets girls aged 9–14 years across Punjab, Sindh, Pakistan-Administered Kashmir, and Islamabad Capital Territory. The government aims to vaccinate at least 90% of the 13 million eligible girls and integrate the HPV vaccine into routine immunization for 9-year-old girls in the coming years.
Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting young girls and urged parents to ensure their daughters receive the vaccine. He addressed misinformation surrounding the vaccine, assuring that it is safe, effective, and essential for preventing cervical cancer.
The vaccination campaign will be carried out through fixed centers, outreach programs, schools, and mobile teams, with special efforts to reach high-risk and underserved populations. The HPV vaccine will be provided free of charge to all eligible girls.
Gavi’s Chief Country Delivery Officer, Thabani Maphosa, highlighted that a single dose of the HPV vaccine can prevent most cases of cervical cancer, stressing the importance of this initiative in saving lives and reshaping the future of women’s health in Pakistan. Globally, over 60 million girls have already received the vaccine with Gavi’s support, and the campaign in Pakistan contributes to the Alliance’s goal of reaching 86 million girls in lower-income countries by the end of 2025.
UNICEF Representative Pernille Ironside described the launch as historic for Pakistan, giving millions of girls the opportunity to grow and thrive without the fear of cervical cancer. WHO Representative Dr. Dapeng Luo noted that in Pakistan, eight women die daily from cervical cancer, highlighting the critical need for vaccination to protect millions of girls and future generations.
Mild side effects such as local pain or low-grade fever may occur, similar to other vaccines. Parents, teachers, and community leaders are encouraged to ensure all eligible girls receive the HPV vaccine to secure a healthier future and prevent cervical cancer.
