Preparations are under way for Pakistan’s first-ever national cervical cancer vaccination drive, scheduled to be held from September 15 to 27 across selected regions, including Punjab, Sindh, Azad Kashmir, and Islamabad.
According to health officials, the campaign will target school-going girls aged 9 to 14 years enrolled in both public and private institutions. Registration for the initiative is already in progress.
To raise awareness among parents, voice messages will be sent highlighting the safety and benefits of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which plays a key role in reducing the risk of cervical cancer.
The vaccination will be administered through fixed sites, community centres, mobile units, and directly in schools, ensuring wide coverage. Each eligible girl will receive a single dose of the HPV vaccine.
Officials said the initiative marks a milestone in Pakistan’s public health efforts, aiming to protect future generations of women from a preventable yet life-threatening disease.