Pakistan has launched a nationwide Cervical Cancer Prevention Campaign to vaccinate girls aged 9 to 15 against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of cervical cancer. The initiative, led by government health authorities with support from the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights, aims to reduce preventable disease and protect the long-term health of young girls across the country.
The campaign will deliver HPV vaccinations to girls between nine and 15 years old through schools, health centers, and community outreach programs, with teams mobilized to reach urban and rural communities. Officials describe the effort as a large-scale, time-bound public health drive designed to maximize uptake and awareness about cervical cancer prevention.
Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, Member of the National Assembly and convenor of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights, welcomed the campaign as a major step for child health. She said the initiative “marks an important milestone in safeguarding the health and future of our children” and called it “a vital step toward protecting the lives of young girls and reducing the future burden of preventable diseases.”
Cervical cancer remains among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths for women in Pakistan. Health experts emphasize that most cases can be prevented through timely HPV vaccination combined with increased public awareness and screening where available. The campaign aims to address both vaccination coverage and community understanding of the disease.
Dr. Khan stressed the need for multi-sectoral collaboration, praising the government and partners for prioritizing the intervention. She urged parents, educators, community leaders, healthcare workers, and the media to support the campaign and ensure broad participation, saying, “By protecting our girls today, we are securing a healthier, stronger, and brighter Pakistan tomorrow.”
Organizers say the Cervical Cancer Prevention Campaign is part of Pakistan’s wider commitments to child rights, universal health coverage, and the global Sustainable Development Goals, representing a targeted investment in the health and well-being of the country’s girls.
