KARACHI — The Government of Sindh launched Pakistan’s first province-wide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, introducing the world’s first cancer prevention vaccine to protect girls against cervical cancer. The landmark initiative was inaugurated by Sindh Health and Population Welfare Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho at a high-profile ceremony held at Khatoon-e-Pakistan Government Degree College for Women, Karachi.
The campaign, implemented through the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Sindh, aims to vaccinate 4.1 million girls aged 9–14 years across all 30 districts of the province. The 12-day drive, running from September 15 to 27, 2025, will deploy more than 8,000 trained vaccination teams to schools, madrassas, community sites, and health facilities, ensuring maximum coverage. Catch-up doses will be provided for those who miss the initial round, and routine HPV vaccination for 9-year-old girls will begin in January 2026.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Azra Pechuho described the campaign as “a historic step to protect the health of our daughters and prevent future tragedies.” She noted that Sindh is the first province in Pakistan to introduce the HPV vaccine in its routine immunization schedule, joining 148 countries that have already adopted the vaccine.
Other dignitaries, including Education Minister Sardar Ali Shah, Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, pledged full government support to ensure every eligible girl is reached. Dr. Raj Kumar, Project Director EPI Sindh, said the campaign is a milestone in the province’s immunization history and urged parents to take advantage of this “one-time opportunity to protect their daughters from cervical cancer.”
International partners Gavi, WHO, UNICEF, Jhpiego, PPHI, Indus Health Network, AKU, JPMC, AMAN, and others joined the ceremony, lauding Sindh’s leadership. WHO representatives highlighted that Pakistan is now the 149th country to introduce HPV vaccination, aligning with the global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is the second deadliest cancer among women worldwide and a leading threat to women’s health in Pakistan. The HPV vaccine, safe and effective, provides lifelong protection against the virus that causes most cervical cancers.
The launch program featured recitation of the Holy Quran, a symbolic HPV vaccination of schoolgirls, and a student orchestra performance. Media representatives were urged to play a critical role in spreading accurate information, dispelling myths, and encouraging parental cooperation.
Sindh’s initiative marks a major public health milestone, setting the stage for a cervical cancer–free future through prevention, vaccination, and awareness.
