Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Minister Khaliq-ur-Rehman held discussions with a delegation from Jhpiego, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University, to strengthen parliamentary engagement for cervical cancer prevention through Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.
The meeting focused on preparations for the province’s planned HPV vaccination campaign in November 2026 and ways to involve Members of the Provincial Assembly in creating awareness about cervical cancer prevention.
The Jhpiego Pakistan delegation was led by Country Director Dr Aminah Khan, while Dr Syed Ijaz Ali Shah, Chief of the Health Sector Reforms Unit, also participated in the meeting.
The health minister proposed organising a dedicated orientation session at the Provincial Assembly to brief parliamentarians on cervical cancer, HPV vaccination and their role in supporting public awareness.
Officials said the proposed orientation would provide lawmakers with accurate and evidence-based information so that they can respond to questions and misconceptions about HPV vaccination within their constituencies. The minister also contacted the Secretary of the Provincial Assembly to facilitate the proposed engagement.
Dr Aminah Khan briefed the minister about Jhpiego’s ongoing work in KP, including technical assistance for HPV programme implementation, coordination with government departments and efforts to strengthen community engagement.
She highlighted the importance of involving parliamentarians because of their reach within local communities. Better-informed lawmakers, she said, could contribute to public awareness, advocacy and greater confidence in the vaccination programme.
The health minister reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to preventive healthcare and said elected representatives should have reliable health information so they can communicate accurately with the public.
Both sides agreed to strengthen preparedness, public awareness, operational coordination and community engagement ahead of the HPV vaccination programme.
