WHO supports Pakistan in launching first-ever HPV vaccination campaign for 13 million girls

WHO supports Pakistan in launching first-ever HPV vaccination campaign for 13 million girls

ISLAMABAD: The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan, will train over 49,000 health workers ahead of the nationwide introduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine from September 15 to 27. This historic initiative aims to prevent cervical cancer, marking the first time Pakistan will target 13 million girls aged nine to 14 years across Punjab, Sindh, Islamabad Capital Territory, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

Cervical cancer is the third most frequent cancer among women in Pakistan. With a female population of 73.8 million aged 15 years and older at risk, the country records over 5,000 new cases annually. Alarmingly, almost 3,200 women—64% of those diagnosed—die each year, one of the highest mortality rates in South Asia. The high fatality rate is largely attributed to delayed diagnoses and limited access to screening programs.

A recent WHO study (2021–2023) conducted in 18 healthcare facilities documented 1,580 cervical cancer cases, highlighting a significant underestimation due to low screening rates and the absence of a national cervical cancer registry. Without vaccination, modeling data indicates Pakistan’s cervical cancer burden could triple over the next 70 years.

WHO’s role in the campaign

With funding from GAVI, The Vaccine Alliance, cascade training sessions will run until the end of August. These will equip vaccinators, doctors, social mobilizers, and data entry operators with essential skills in microplanning, readiness assessment, and vaccine delivery. WHO is also providing technical guidance in planning, data analysis, and capacity development in collaboration with Pakistan’s Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI) and Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).

Leaders emphasize the importance

“This HPV vaccination campaign is more than just a public health intervention. It is an investment in the health and potential of our daughters,” said Dr Soofia Yunus, Director General of the FDI. “By embracing this vaccine, Pakistan is taking a big step to protect its future from cervical cancer.”

WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Dapeng Luo called the effort “a truly transformative moment for public health in Pakistan,” adding that WHO is proud to partner with the government to ensure every girl has access to lifesaving vaccines and the chance to live free from the threat of cervical cancer.

A global goal

The campaign aligns with the World Health Assembly’s Global Strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. By 2030, the target is to have 90% of girls fully vaccinated with HPV by age 15, 70% of women screened, and 90% of women with pre-cancer or invasive cancer receiving treatment.

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