A strategic workshop organized by the Federal Directorate of Immunization’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (FDI – CSO Unit) and DOPASI Foundation, with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, brought together private health professionals and public health partners at Quaid e Azam International Hospital to mobilize support for Pakistan’s first National HPV Vaccine Campaign. The meeting ended with a collective pledge to strengthen private-sector engagement, increase public awareness, and ensure equitable access to HPV vaccines for girls aged 9–14.
The one-day seminar aimed to galvanize private healthcare providers behind the country’s inaugural national push to immunize girls against human papillomavirus, a leading cause of cervical cancer. Organizers emphasized the critical role the private sector can play in reaching eligible girls and in supporting campaign implementation alongside public services.
Attendees included senior public health officials and representatives from national and international partner organizations: Dr. Syeda Rashida Batool, District Health Officer Islamabad; Dr. Rozina Khalid from the World Health Organization; Dr. Saima Zubair, Secretary General of PRHPS; Dr. Irshad Jokhio, Director General Health Services CDA; Ms. Huma Khawar of Mannion Daniels; Dr. Tabinda Zaffar of Oxford Policy Management; Dr. Farhaj un Din of DOPASI Foundation; Dr. Muhammad Ajmal of the Pakistan Medical Association, Islamabad; Dr. Sumaila Tanweer of Quaid e Azam International Hospital; and Dr. Shaukat Ali Bangash, CEO of Quaid e Azam International Hospital.
Participants agreed to focus on strengthening partnerships with private providers, expanding awareness campaigns, and removing barriers to equitable vaccine access so that girls aged 9–14 can benefit from life-saving HPV immunization. The workshop positioned the private health sector as a key partner in the national effort to reduce cervical cancer through vaccination.
