ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has launched its first-ever nationwide campaign to vaccinate young girls against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), in a bid to protect millions from cervical cancer, one of the deadliest yet preventable cancers among women.
According to the Ministry of National Health Services, the campaign was launched on September 15 and will run until September 27 in Islamabad, Punjab, Sindh, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Girls aged between 9 and 14 years are being given the vaccine through injection at schools, basic health units, and designated centres.
In the second phase, the campaign will be rolled out in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces within the next two months.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said that the first phase targets 13 million girls, while the nationwide target is 18 million. “Pakistan is part of the WHO global initiative, under which at least 90 percent of girls worldwide are to be protected from cervical cancer through vaccination by 2030,” Kamal said.
The vaccines are being provided by Gavi, with provincial governments contributing five percent of the cost. Gavi is an international organisation created in 2000 to improve access to new and underused vaccines for children living in the world’s poorest countries.
Why Vaccinate Girls Aged 9–14?
Health experts note that HPV is one of the most common viral infections and is responsible for more than 70 percent of cervical cancer cases globally. Cervical cancer, which develops in the cervix (the mouth of the uterus), is the second most common cancer among women after breast cancer.
Islamabad’s District Health Officer (DHO), Dr Rashida Batool, cited by BBC Urdu, explained that the vaccine is most effective when given to girls before they are exposed to the virus.
“According to WHO recommendations, the strongest immune response is produced between the ages of 9 and 14. A single dose at this stage provides complete protection against this cancer,” she said.
She noted that cervical cancer is often diagnosed very late in Pakistan. “Every year, around 5,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and about 3,000 die from the disease. Unfortunately, in most cases, when the disease is diagnosed, it is already in its final stages. That is why it is often called a ‘silent killer’,” she said.
How Effective is the HPV Vaccine?
According to the World Health Organization, the HPV vaccine is a preventive measure rather than a cure. It protects against infection but cannot remove the virus once it has entered the body. Global studies show that widespread HPV vaccination reduces cervical cancer cases by up to 90 percent.
Dr Batool said the vaccine provides long-term protection lasting at least 15 to 20 years, and in many cases for life. “If given between ages nine and 14, no booster dose is required. For older women, the vaccine is also beneficial but may require more than one dose, as their immune response is weaker,” she said.
She added that the vaccine has already been introduced in 149 countries, including most Muslim-majority nations such as Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
“It is safe, with no reported long-term side effects. After vaccination, some girls may experience mild fever or redness at the injection site, which can be managed with paracetamol,” she explained.
Screening and Early Diagnosis
Doctors stress that vaccination is the most cost-effective method of prevention, but early detection also saves lives. Cervical cancer can be diagnosed through a Pap smear test, which collects cells from the cervix without any incision.
“A Pap smear allows early detection, but unfortunately, most women in Pakistan undergo testing very late, when treatment becomes difficult and expensive,” Dr Batool said.
Myths and Challenges
The HPV campaign comes in the backdrop of widespread misinformation about vaccines in Pakistan, which has previously affected polio and COVID-19 immunisation drives.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal acknowledged these challenges but said a comprehensive awareness strategy has been developed.
“This time, we have engaged community leaders, religious scholars, teachers, parents, media, and influencers from the very beginning to ensure success. The campaign is not only about vaccination, but about saving lives,” he said.
Dr Batool added that myths such as the vaccine causing infertility are unfounded. “Awareness is the key. This campaign involves schools, mosques, communities, and girls themselves, ensuring influential voices are part of the message,” she said.
Phased Rollout in Provinces
Explaining why the campaign is not starting immediately in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, Mustafa Kamal said, “Those provinces requested more time to arrange their share of funds. Once the first phase is completed, the campaign will begin there within one to two months.”
The health minister emphasised that Pakistan cannot delay this initiative any longer. “The HPV vaccine is part of a global strategy to save girls from a preventable disease that devastates families and society. Pakistan is stepping forward to protect its daughters’ future,” he said.
Health experts describe the current campaign as one of Pakistan’s largest immunisation drives against cancer. With a nationwide target of 18 million girls, officials hope the programme will not only reduce cervical cancer cases but also spark wider awareness about women’s health.
“This campaign is not just about a vaccine. It is about protecting lives, giving families hope, and securing a healthier future for generations to come,” Dr Batool said.
