ISLAMABAD – The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination (MoNHSR&C) convened the National Inter-Agency Coordination Committee (NICC) to bolster Pakistan’s immunization efforts, particularly the upcoming Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign on Friday.
Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Minister of State for NHSR&C, emphasized the life-saving potential of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer, Pakistan’s third most common cancer among women. The NICC endorsed Phase 1 campaign guidelines and approved a shift from Penta-1 to Penta-10 dose vials for routine immunization.
Senior officials, provincial representatives, and global partners including WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi attended the meeting. They reaffirmed their commitment to universal vaccine access, especially for school-going and out-of-school girls.
Dr. Soofia Yunus, DG of the Federal Directorate of Immunization, confirmed that preparations are on track across provinces with ongoing training and advocacy sessions. Secretary MoNHSR&C, Mr. Hamed Yaqoob Shaikh, stressed collective action to meet national health goals and SDG targets.
The meeting concluded with a renewed pledge to strengthen routine immunization and ensure the HPV campaign’s success through coordinated national and international efforts.