Pakistan Launches First-Ever Cervical Cancer Vaccine Drive to Protect Millions of Girls
Cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women worldwide, is now being addressed in Pakistan through a historic vaccination campaign. Health experts say the disease, which is especially common in low- and middle-income countries, can largely be prevented with timely screening and vaccination.
A Preventable Cancer
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), almost all cervical cancer cases are caused by persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Two high-risk types — HPV 16 and HPV 18 — are responsible for about 70% of cases.
The good news is that cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented. Vaccines such as the HPV vaccine (Gardasil) have already shown significant success in reducing infection rates in countries where they were introduced earlier.
Pakistan’s Historic Vaccine Drive
From September 15 to 27, Pakistan will roll out its first nationwide HPV vaccination campaign, targeting 13 million girls aged 9 to 14 years in Punjab, Sindh, Islamabad Capital Territory, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
The campaign, supported by WHO, Gavi (the global vaccine alliance), and the Government of Pakistan, is being described as a “milestone in women’s health.” More than 49,000 healthcare workers have been trained to carry out the initiative.
In Sindh alone, officials aim to vaccinate about 4 million girls, with doses being provided free of charge under the government’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI).
Why This Campaign Matters
Doctors emphasize that vaccinating girls before they are exposed to HPV is key to protecting their health for the future.
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Dr Muslima Ejaz, infectious disease specialist at Aga Khan University, said:
“By reaching adolescent girls early, we are safeguarding their future health. This campaign will also build systems and community trust, creating a roadmap for HPV vaccination in routine immunisation.” -
Dr Uzma Chishti, a gynecologist, explained that early vaccination and regular screenings like Pap smears can prevent cancer from developing later in life. She also highlighted WHO’s new single-dose HPV vaccine recommendation, which makes delivery simpler and more cost-effective.
How the Drive Will Work
The campaign will use multiple strategies:
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Schools as main vaccination sites, with teachers trained to support awareness.
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Lady Health Workers and NGOs reaching out-of-school girls.
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Mobile teams for remote areas.
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Digital monitoring through the Sindh Electronic Immunisation Record (SEIR) system.
Over 14,000 field workers will be involved, supported by supervisors trained to handle post-vaccination care. A follow-up “catch-up drive” will also vaccinate any missed girls.
Tackling Myths and Hesitancy
Experts warn that misinformation, particularly myths linking vaccines to infertility, could discourage families. However, doctors clarify that the HPV vaccine actually protects reproductive health, since HPV infections themselves can cause complications.
Paediatrician Dr Fyezah Jehan noted that because the vaccine is new in Pakistan, there is a unique opportunity to provide accurate information before myths spread widely.
The Bigger Picture
Each year, more than 5,000 women in Pakistan are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and over 3,000 lose their lives. Globally, the WHO has called for the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem, and Pakistan’s campaign is being seen as a step toward that goal.
If successful, this drive could pave the way for nationwide routine HPV vaccination — saving thousands of lives in the years to come.
