Sindh launches HPV vaccination campaign for girls aged 9–14 to eliminate cervical cancer
KARACHI: The Government of Sindh’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) has officially launched the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign — a historic initiative to protect 4.1 million girls aged 9–14 years from cervical cancer.
The launch ceremony, held at Khatoon-e-Pakistan Government Degree College for Women in Karachi, was inaugurated by Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Minister for Health & Population Welfare, alongside provincial ministers, education leaders, and international development partners, including Gavi, WHO, UNICEF, Jhpiego, PPHI, Indus Health Network, AKU, JPMC, and AMAN.
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In a symbolic milestone, Ayesha Khalid, a 13-year-old student, proudly became the first child to receive the HPV vaccine at the event, marking the beginning of this life-saving campaign.
Why this campaign matters
Cervical cancer is the second deadliest cancer for women worldwide and a major health threat in Pakistan, with a mortality rate exceeding 65%. HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer, and the HPV vaccine — the first-ever cancer prevention vaccine — is proven safe and effective.
Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho stated:
“This campaign symbolizes our unwavering commitment to protect the health of our daughters. By vaccinating today, we are preventing tomorrow’s tragedies and ensuring a stronger Sindh.”
Sindh now becomes the first province in Pakistan to introduce the HPV vaccine into its routine immunization schedule, aligning with WHO’s Global Strategy to Eliminate Cervical Cancer.
Campaign strategy and coverage
According to Dr. Raj Kumar, Project Director, EPI Sindh, the campaign aims to cover all 1,190 union councils across 30 districts:
- Phase 1: A 12-day drive (15–27 September 2025, excluding Sundays)
- School outreach: Enrolled girls vaccinated at schools
- Community outreach: Out-of-school girls reached via community locations, madrassas, vocational centers
- Fixed & mobile teams: Over 8,000 trained teams mobilized to reach remote areas
- Catch-up doses: Available for those who miss initial campaign
- Routine immunization: Starting January 2026, targeting 9-year-old girls annually
Commitment from leadership and partners
Provincial leaders including Sardar Ali Shah (Education Minister), Sharjeel Inam Memon (Information Minister), and Murtaza Wahab (Mayor of Karachi) pledged full support, emphasizing that education, health, and local governments must work together to achieve maximum coverage.
International partners also praised Sindh’s leadership:
- Gavi: Recognized Sindh as the first province to request HPV vaccine introduction and lauded its progress in reducing zero-dose children.
- WHO: Confirmed Pakistan as the 149th country to introduce HPV vaccine, joining Muslim nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Indonesia.
- UNICEF: Reaffirmed commitment to ensure “no girl is left behind.”
Appeal to parents
Dr. Raj Kumar urged parents to take this opportunity seriously:
“By immunizing our girls today, we are ensuring a healthier, cancer-free future for generations to come. This vaccine has the potential to make Sindh and Pakistan free from cervical cancer.”
The media was called upon to spread accurate information, dispel myths, and mobilize communities to support this life-saving public health initiative.
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