ISLAMABAD, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) — Preparations are underway for Pakistan’s first-ever national cervical cancer vaccination campaign, which is set to begin on Sept. 15, sources from the country’s Ministry of Health said on Sunday.
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive will run until Sept. 27 across selected regions, including eastern Punjab, southern Sindh, Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, and Islamabad, the sources told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The campaign will target school-going girls aged between nine and 14 years, the sources added.
“Each eligible girl will receive one dose of the HPV vaccine, which is known to significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer, a preventable but potentially deadly disease if left untreated,” the sources added.
Registration for the campaign has already started, with efforts underway to raise awareness among parents through voice messages.
The sources said that the initiative marks a major milestone in Pakistan’s public health efforts, aiming to protect future generations of women from cervical cancer. ■