Punjab has emerged as the leading province in Pakistan’s fight against cervical cancer, achieving 90% coverage in the HPV vaccination campaign.

According to the provincial minister for health and population, more than 6.7 million girls aged nine to 14 years have been successfully vaccinated.

HPV vaccine now part of routine immunisation

Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir confirmed that the vaccine to prevent cervical cancer has now been formally added to Punjab’s routine immunisation course. From now onwards, nine-year-old girls will be eligible to receive the vaccine as part of their preventive vaccination schedule.

This development makes the HPV vaccine the 13th addition to the list of vaccines offered under the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in Punjab.

Cervical cancer: Major threat to women in Pakistan

Highlighting the seriousness of the disease, the health minister noted that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women aged 15 to 44 in Pakistan. Unlike most cancers, HPV-related cervical cancer is the only form that can be prevented through vaccination.

“The vaccine is a globally recognised preventive tool and is certified by the World Health Organization (WHO),” Nazir stated.

Global recognition and adoption

The HPV vaccine has already been included in the national immunization schedules of 147 countries worldwide. In the Muslim world, countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Libya, Kuwait, and Morocco have also made the vaccine part of their preventive healthcare system.

Nazir emphasized that Punjab’s inclusion of this vaccine in its routine immunization course represents a major step forward in protecting young girls and ensuring healthier futures.