DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has launched a province-wide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, aiming to protect 2.9 million girls aged 9 to 14 years against cervical cancer.
The campaign, which will run from November 11 to 24, 2026, is being implemented by the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), Directorate General of Health Services, through more than 5,000 vaccination teams deployed across the province.
The campaign was formally inaugurated at Maulvi Ameer Shah Memorial Hospital, Peshawar. Vaccination services will be provided through schools and community outreach activities to ensure coverage of both school-going and out-of-school girls.
The introduction of the HPV vaccine marks the addition of the 13th vaccine to Pakistan’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), representing a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen preventive healthcare and combat cervical cancer.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Pakistan Paediatric Association and Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Pakistan highlighted the safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine and its role in preventing cervical cancer.
They urged parents and communities to ensure that all eligible girls receive the vaccine and to help counter misinformation and misconceptions surrounding immunization.
Director Education Jaffar Mansoori stressed the importance of coordination between the health and education departments to ensure the campaign’s success. Guest of Honour and Director General FDI Dr Musa Khan appreciated the joint efforts of the government, development partners and frontline health workers in promoting cervical cancer prevention. Director General Health Services KP Dr Naeem Awan reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to the effective implementation of the campaign through strong coordination, monitoring and community engagement.
The campaign is being conducted with the support of the health and education departments, WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, professional associations and other community stakeholders.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Director EPI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dr Sohail Farooqi, UNICEF Team Lead Dr Inamullah Khan, WHO Provincial Lead Dr Babar Alam, deputy directors of EPI, the president of the Pakistan Paediatric Association, representatives of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Pakistan, officials of the Education Department and Rescue 1122, as well as representatives of WHO, UNICEF, Jhpiego, Gavi, MERF and other partner organisations.
Health officials stressed that HPV vaccination is a safe and effective preventive measure against cervical cancer, urging parents to ensure that every eligible girl receives the vaccine.
