Islamabad: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination ActivityTo date, its target is 13 million girls aged 9 to 14, achieving only 34% of their targets.
So far, only 4.5 million girls targeting the virus have been caused by cervical cancer.
The update shared with the National Health Minister Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, who visited the HPV vaccination site at the Islamabad Women’s Model School (IMSG) (G-6/1-3) to observe public health work.
The visit was organized by UNICEF in partnership with the Federal Immunization Agency (FDI).
Which event is start September 17th, it will end on September 27th.
Participants in the event included Dr. Soofia Yunus, Director General of FDI; Dr. Khurram Akram, Director of FDI Islamabad (FDI ISLAMABAD); Sharmeela Rasool, Deputy Representative of UNICEF, Pakistan; Ellen Thon, Deputy Representative of Pakistan; Dr. Rashida Batool, Regional Health Officer; and Ms. ICT Mehreen Balooch, Assistant Commissioner.
“This sport is more than just vacation driving – it’s a commitment to a healthier future for our daughters.
Every girl is vaccinated with a protected life, a family protected, and a person who ensures the future. ” said Dr. Bharat.
He added: “Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer among women in Pakistan, with two-thirds of women diagnosed as not surviving.
“The HPV vaccine is a safe, effective and scientifically proven solution that prevents cervical cancer and saves lives. There are more deaths per person vaccinated than any other immune activity.”
A social media campaign was launched before the vaccination, but many parents refused to take leave of their daughter.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has tried to raise awareness by vaccinating his daughter in front of the media.
Dr. Bharat’s exaggerated parents stressed that the HPV vaccine is halal, recognized by leading Islamic scholars, and has been included in national immunization programs in Muslim majority countries such as Saudi Arabia, Arabia, UAE, Malaysia, Malaysia, Qatar, Qatar, Bangladesh, Bangladesh and Indonesia.
“Protecting life (Hifz al-NAF) is the highest obedience in Islam. It is a moral and religious obligation to cover up our daughters from preventable diseases,” he said.
Pakistan’s HPV vaccination campaign is aligned with the World Health Organization’s cervical cancer elimination initiative, which sees that by 2030, 90% of girls worldwide have been vaccinated with HPV worldwide.
The movement is being divided into three phases: 1 phase, operating from 15 to 27 September 2025, covering Punjab, Sindh, Azad Chamu and Kashmir, and the capital region of Islamabad; the second phase will be extended to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2026; and the third phase will arrive in Balluchistan in 2027.
The goal is to inoculate 90% of girls aged 9-14 years old in Phase 1 by the end of 2025 and maintain high coverage through routine immunization in the coming years.
“The HPV vaccine is safe, free, and available to every qualified girl. By protecting their health, we are maintaining their education, the future and their ability to contribute to society. Let us maintain this momentum for qualified girls.”
Posted at Dawn on September 25, 2025
