The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is preparing to launch a province-wide vaccination campaign against cervical cancer, aiming to protect approximately 2.93 million girls aged 9 to 14 years.
The campaign, scheduled to run from November 11 to November 24, 2026, will provide free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines to eligible girls across the province.
The initiative is part of Pakistan’s efforts to prevent cervical cancer through early vaccination and increase awareness about the disease.
Free HPV Vaccination for Girls
According to health officials, the campaign will target approximately 2.93 million girls, including those attending schools and religious seminaries as well as girls who are not enrolled in educational institutions.
Around 1.6 million school-going girls and 1.3 million out-of-school girls are included in the vaccination target.
Vaccination teams will visit public and private schools, madrassas and designated community locations. Eligible girls will also be able to receive the vaccine at government health facilities.
Why HPV Vaccination Is Important
Cervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can lead to cancer over time.
Health experts say HPV vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer by protecting against the virus types responsible for most cases.
The vaccine is recommended before exposure to HPV, which is why girls aged 9 to 14 years are being targeted in the campaign.
Pakistan Faces Thousands of Cervical Cancer Cases
Health experts have highlighted the growing burden of cervical cancer in Pakistan.
More than 5,000 new cases are reported annually, while thousands of women lose their lives to the disease.
Medical professionals have stressed that timely vaccination, awareness and regular screening are important measures for reducing cervical cancer cases and deaths.
Health Department Focuses on Public Awareness
Ahead of the campaign, the KP Health Department has organized awareness activities and media orientation sessions to educate communities about HPV vaccination.
Health officials are working with teachers, religious scholars, community representatives and media professionals to address misconceptions and encourage parents to get their daughters vaccinated.
The campaign will also focus on reaching girls in remote and underserved areas through community outreach and mobile vaccination teams.
Parents Urged to Support Vaccination Campaign
Health authorities have encouraged parents and guardians to ensure that eligible girls receive the free HPV vaccine during the campaign.
The initiative aims to improve protection against cervical cancer and strengthen preventive healthcare services for girls across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The November vaccination drive is expected to be an important step towards reducing the future burden of cervical cancer in the province.
