ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to launch its first-ever national anti-cancer vaccination campaign from September 15 to 27, aiming to prevent cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among women in the country.
The campaign will target around 13 million girls between the ages of 9 and 14 across Punjab, Sindh, Islamabad, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Each girl will receive a single-dose HPV vaccine that provides lifelong protection.
According to officials, this anti-cancer vaccination drive is part of a larger plan to vaccinate 18 million girls over the next three years. The initiative is supported by the DOPASI Foundation, FDI, and Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance.
A strategic workshop held in Islamabad gathered health experts, government representatives, and civil society leaders to mobilise support for the cause. Participants stressed the importance of doctors, private hospitals, and NGOs in ensuring the success of the campaign.
Dr Farhaj Uddin, Programme Manager at the DOPASI Foundation, said advocacy and community mobilisation will play a key role in addressing myths and misinformation. He assured that every eligible girl will be reached through coordinated efforts.
Medical experts highlighted that public trust in doctors is crucial to counter vaccine hesitancy. Dr Khurram Shahzad, Director Technical at FDI, noted that doctors’ voices remain the most effective tool in building confidence.
Dr Irshad Ali Jokhio, Director General of Health Services CDA, confirmed that the HPV vaccine will also be included in Pakistan’s routine immunisation programme. WHO’s Dr Rozeena Khalid reminded participants that cervical cancer now claims more lives in Pakistan annually than breast cancer, underscoring the urgent need for prevention.
Speakers emphasised that this anti-cancer vaccination campaign represents a historic opportunity to save millions of lives. However, its success will depend on strong advocacy from healthcare providers and active community participation.
With this nationwide initiative, Pakistan joins 149 other countries that have already introduced the HPV vaccine, marking a milestone in the global fight against preventable cancers.
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