Media Update-2: United Nations Pakistan, 15 September 2025

Pakistan joins 150 countries to protect 13 million girls from cervical cancer with WHO-prequalified vaccine

Over 49,000 Pakistani health workers trained by the World Health Organization will be mobilized by the Government of Pakistan in a campaign that targets girls aged 9-14 years

WHO Representative in Pakistan, Dr Dapeng Luo, joined the official launch of the campaign presided over by Federal Minister of Health Syed Mustafa Kamal. Photo: WHO Pakistan/Hamid Inam.

15 September 2025, Islamabad Pakistan - The World Health Organization (WHO) joined today the Government of Pakistan's Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI) to launch the country's first-ever Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign to protect 13 million adolescent girls from cervical cancer in partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF. Pakistan now joins more than 150 countries that have included this WHO-prequalified vaccine in their immunization schedules, safeguarding the health of future generations.

The campaign marks a major leap forward in strengthening women's health and advancing Pakistan's commitment with the World Health Assembly's goal to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030.

Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal presided over the launching ceremony as the chief guest. "This vaccination drive for girls aged 9 to 14 years is an important step towards safeguarding their future health. I urge all parents to ensure their daughters and sisters are vaccinated. Do not fall prey to negative campaigns. This vaccine is safe, effective, and essential for protecting our girls," said the federal minister.

Over 49,000 health workers trained by WHO will be mobilized in a campaign that targets girls aged 9-14 years across Punjab, Sindh, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and Islamabad Capital Territory in its first phase. The goal is to vaccinate at least 90% of 13 million eligible girls during this campaign and integrate the vaccine into routine immunization for 9-year-old girls in subsequent years. The phased introduction of the HPV vaccine will pave the way for its eventual rollout in other provinces and areas (including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2026, and Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan in 2027).

"In Pakistan, we lose 8 women every day due to cervical cancer. WHO is proud to work with Pakistan, and partners like Gavi and UNICEF, to protect 13 million of girls from cervical cancer by introducing the human papillomavirus vaccine this September, and to protect over 17 million by 2027. The HPV vaccine, prequalified by WHO, is a safe, science-based and effective protection against cervical cancer, with a long history of saving lives in over 150 countries, including Muslim countries. Providing this vaccine is investing in a healthier future for every girl, for their future families, and for the entire nation," said WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr. Dapeng Luo.

The HPV Vaccination Campaign will be conducted at fixed centers, outreach sites and schools, and through mobile/special vaccination teams. Outreach vaccination sites will be established in distant areas and special vaccination teams will be deployed to reach high-risk and underserved populations. The HPV vaccine will be available for free for all eligible girls.

"A single dose of the HPV vaccine can prevent most cases of cervical cancer. Yet every two minutes, a woman loses her life to this disease, including thousands in Pakistan each year," said Thabani Maphosa, Chief Country Delivery Officer at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. "Thanks to the leadership of the Government of Pakistan and the commitment of our partners, we now have the chance to reshape the future of women's health in the country, giving millions of girls the power to protect their lives and pursue their dreams."

"Today marks a historic step for Pakistan's girls and young women. The HPV vaccine can protect millions of women of tomorrow from a preventable and life-threatening disease by vaccinating the girls of today and giving them the chance to grow, learn, and thrive without the fear of cervical cancer. UNICEF is proud to work with the Government of Pakistan alongside our partners WHO and Gavi for the health of future generations," said Pernille Ironside, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan.

WHO stands side by side with Pakistan to build a future where no woman has to suffer from cervical cancer.

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About WHO

Founded in 1948, WHO is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners, and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. We work with 194 Member States in 150+ locations - so everyone, everywhere, can attain the highest level of health. WHO has been present in Pakistan - a founding member of the Organization - since 1960. For more information, visit https://www.emro.who.int/countries/pak/index.html. Follow WHO Pakistan on Twitterand Facebook.

For additional information, please contact:  

Maryam Yunus, National Professional Officer - Communications, WHO Pakistan, [email protected](copying [email protected])

José Ignacio Martín Galán, Head of Communications, WHO Pakistan, [email protected]