Pakistan Sets National HPV Vaccination Drive for Sept 15–27

Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services has set 15–27 September 2025 for the country’s first nationwide human papillomavirus vaccination campaign, aiming to protect girls aged nine to 14 against cervical cancer. Health authorities say the two-week drive could save “millions of lives” by preventing infections linked to almost all cases of the disease. The move comes after the World Health Organization and UNICEF urged Islamabad to add HPV shots to its immunisation schedule, citing the country’s record-high 87 percent coverage for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis in 2024 as proof of improved delivery systems. Regional data released by the agencies show South Asia achieved 92 percent DTP3 coverage last year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Officials plan to deploy outreach teams, school-based clinics and public information campaigns, replacing earlier reliance on police enforcement seen in other vaccination drives. International partners will supply doses and technical support, while local influencers and religious leaders will be enlisted to counter hesitancy. If successful, the campaign could pave the way for routine HPV immunisation of both girls and boys in future budget cycles, public-health specialists say.