Pakistan receives first HPV vaccine supply from UNICEF to begin cervical cancer immunization

Pakistan receives first HPV vaccine supply from UNICEF against cervical cancer

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has received its first consignments of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine from UNICEF, marking a historic milestone in the country’s healthcare journey. The initiative officially launches Pakistan’s first-ever cervical cancer vaccination drive, aimed at protecting young girls from one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women.

According to the Ministry of National Health Services, UNICEF has already delivered five shipments, supplying 10 million doses out of a total commitment of 13 million. Manufactured in China, the vaccines will continue to arrive over the coming week to complete the supply. The National Inter-Agency Coordination Committee has formally approved the use of the vaccine, paving the way for nationwide immunization.

The HPV vaccination drive will be held from September 15 to 27, 2025, across Punjab, Sindh, Islamabad, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Girls aged 9 to 14 years will receive a single-dose vaccine, administered by health teams in government and private schools. Additional fixed vaccination centers, community health sites, and mobile units will ensure access for underserved populations.

Health ministry officials confirmed that the campaign is being supported by GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, under its global initiative to help low- and middle-income countries prevent cervical cancer through immunization. Public health experts have welcomed the development, calling it a transformative step that could significantly reduce cervical cancer cases in Pakistan, which currently claims thousands of lives every year.

HPV Health Carnival: Community engagement in Karachi

Ahead of the rollout, the Government of Sindh through the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Sindh, in collaboration with UNICEF, Patients’ Aid Foundation, JPMC, JSMU, YMC, Dow University, Indus Hospital, and other partners, hosted the HPV Health Carnival at the Maritime Museum in Karachi.

This vibrant community event raised awareness about cervical cancer prevention and HPV vaccination, bringing together families, youth, health experts, teachers, and policymakers under one roof.

Chief guests, leaders praised the government’s initiative:

• Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Sindh Minister for Energy and Planning & Development, called HPV vaccination “a historic step for women’s health in the province.”
• Saeed Ghani, Sindh Minister for Local Government, urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to support the campaign.
• Senior patrons and medical experts, including Dr. Shahid Rasool (Director, JPMC), Dr. Amjad Siraj (Vice Chancellor, JSMU), Dr. Nighat Shah (HOD Ward 9B, JPMC), and Dr. Zaid Arif (UNICEF Immunization Officer), lauded the preventive approach, stressing that HPV vaccination is a “life-saving intervention every eligible girl must receive.”

The carnival featured health check-ups, blood donation camps, HPV awareness stalls, wellness activities, and family-friendly educational games. With support from UNICEF and GAVI, a dedicated HPV counter was established, offering counseling and distributing information materials to families.

Building momentum for a cancer-free future

Dr. Raj Kumar, Project Director of EPI Sindh, assured full readiness of vaccination teams and monitoring systems for the upcoming campaign. He noted that community participation and awareness would be key to its success.

Experts believe the HPV vaccine rollout is not just a public health program but a movement of hope and protection for Pakistan’s daughters. With strong political leadership, technical expertise, and global partner support, the campaign is poised to be a landmark step in building a healthier, cancer-free future for women in Pakistan.

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