Punjab is preparing to introduce the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into its routine immunisation programme, targeting around 8 million girls aged 9 to 14 years.
The campaign will begin on September 15 and run until September 27.
According to the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), more than 5.5 million school-going girls will be reached through institutions. However, health officials warn that vaccinating the remaining 2.5 million out-of-school girls, particularly in flood-affected and marginalised communities, poses a serious challenge.
The HPV vaccine plays a critical role in preventing cervical cancer, the third most common cancer among women in Pakistan. Globally, the vaccine is part of the 90-70-90 strategy endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), which aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.
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EPI Director Dr Samra Khurram said over 6,200 outreach teams and 13,000 social mobilisers have been deployed. Vaccination stations will be set up in community spaces such as hujras, lady health worker houses, and other local hubs to ensure wider access. Special outreach is also planned for prisons, orphanages, and nomadic settlements.
This marks the first time HPV vaccines will be available free of cost in Punjab. Previously, they were accessible only at private hospitals, priced beyond the reach of most families.