Pakistan will start its first national HPV vaccination campaign from September 15 to 27, 2025, in a major effort to prevent cervical cancer.
The campaign will cover 13 million girls aged 9 to 14 in Punjab, Sindh, Islamabad, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. A single-dose vaccine will be used, which provides protection against cervical cancer.
Ahead of the campaign, the DOPASI Foundation, in partnership with FDI and supported by Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, held a workshop to raise awareness. Health experts, government officials, and civil society representatives joined to discuss how private hospitals, doctors, and organizations can help make the campaign successful, according to Dunya News.
Dr. Farhaj Uddin from DOPASI Foundation said the goal is to vaccinate 13 million girls and create strong awareness through communication and community support. Dr. Khurram Shahzad of FDI stressed that doctors play a key role in removing doubts about vaccines and building trust.
Director General Health Services CDA, Dr. Irshad Ali Jokhio, said the HPV vaccine will soon become part of Pakistan’s regular immunization program. WHO’s Dr. Rozeena Khalid highlighted that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Pakistan and causes more deaths than breast cancer. She said vaccinating young girls is critical for prevention.
Dr. Saima Khursheed Zubair added that although cervical cancer affects women in adulthood, the preventive vaccine must be given before age 15 to protect them later in life.
Speakers noted that Pakistan plans to vaccinate 18 million girls over the next three years, a target that requires full support from doctors and civil society groups.
In closing, Dr. Bilal Arshad, CEO of Ali Medical Hospital, said the role of doctors will be vital in ensuring success.
With this campaign, Pakistan will join 150 countries that have already introduced the HPV vaccine. Health leaders called it a historic step to protect adolescent girls and secure a healthier future for communities.
