- National rollout begins in Islamabad and AJK, with phased expansion planned through 2027
- Health Ministry collaborates with WHO, UNICEF, Jhpiego, and partners under “protecting girls, preventing cancer” initiative
- Officials stress vaccine’s role in preventing thousands of cervical cancer cases annually, urging media to support awareness efforts
ISLAMABAD: In a landmark move to protect future generations of Pakistani women from cervical cancer, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, Jhpiego, and other development partners, launched the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Campaign in Islamabad and Azad Jammu & Kashmir on Tuesday, according to Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
The nationwide initiative was formally announced during a media briefing titled “Protecting Girls, Preventing Cancer,” held at the Serena Hotel, Islamabad. The event was attended by senior government officials, health experts, development partners, and media representatives, and marked a significant milestone in Pakistan’s immunization program.
Officials at the event emphasized that the introduction of the HPV vaccine is a critical step toward combating cervical cancer, a disease that claims thousands of women’s lives each year in Pakistan.
Dilbar Khan, Team Lead at Jhpiego, underscored the vital role of media in ensuring the campaign’s success. “Introducing the HPV vaccine is a milestone for Pakistan in protecting future generations of women from a preventable disease. The media’s role in creating awareness and building trust is critical to its success,” he said.
Health officials, including Dr. Sardar Manzoor (PPM AJK), Dr. Syeda Rashida (DHO ICT), and Dr. Irsha Jokhio (DHS CDA), emphasized the importance of provincial and district-level ownership to guarantee equitable vaccine access across regions.
A technical session led by Dr. Khurram Akram (FDI), with support from gynecologists and immunization experts, highlighted the burden of cervical cancer, vaccine safety, delivery strategies, and community mobilization efforts.
Areej Javid, Communications Coordinator at Jhpiego, stressed the need for effective media advocacy. “The media is not just a channel of information—it is a bridge of trust. By sharing factual, clear, and compassionate messages, journalists can help ensure vaccine acceptance among families and communities,” she said.
Zunash Abbasi of UNICEF added, “Crisis communication is about timeliness, accuracy, and empathy. The media’s role is vital in countering misinformation and building confidence.”
Pakistan faces an alarming cervical cancer burden, with approximately 5,008 new cases diagnosed annually and over 3,000 deaths. It is the third most common cancer among women of all ages and the second most common among women of reproductive age in the country. Globally, HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for nearly 70% of cervical cancer cases—types that the vaccine can effectively prevent.
The phased rollout of the HPV vaccine will begin in Punjab, Sindh, Islamabad Capital Territory, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir in 2025, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2026, and Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan in 2027.
