Government aims to overcome vaccine refusals and achieve nationwide targets
ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan has announced an extension of the cervical cancer vaccination campaign after provinces reported falling short of their targets. The landmark initiative, which began on September 15, 2025, seeks to protect millions of young girls against cervical cancer through free administration of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
Originally scheduled to conclude on September 27, the campaign will now continue for additional days in Punjab, Sindh, Islamabad, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). This extension reflects the urgent need to increase vaccination coverage and counter high refusal rates reported during the campaign’s initial phase.
Sindh leads in extending vaccination deadline
Sindh became the first province to officially extend its HPV vaccination drive, adding three extra days and moving the deadline to September 30. Provincial authorities are expected to formally notify the federal government of this decision.
Meanwhile, health officials in Islamabad are considering an extension of three to seven days, while Punjab and AJK are also likely to prolong their campaigns within a similar timeframe. The federal health ministry has welcomed these moves, noting that the extension will give health workers more time to reach unvaccinated girls.
A historic health campaign in Pakistan
This HPV immunization program is the first-ever nationwide cervical cancer vaccination campaign in Pakistan. It is designed to protect girls aged 9 to 14 years with a single-dose HPV vaccine, which has proven to be highly effective in preventing cervical cancer worldwide.
The original target was to vaccinate over 11.7 million girls during the campaign. In total, the government aimed to reach 13 million eligible girls across the country, with teams deployed in schools, health centers, and community hubs to maximize outreach.
Rising refusals pose a challenge
Despite being a groundbreaking initiative, the campaign has encountered significant challenges in gaining public acceptance. According to official data, more than 3 million refusal cases were reported in just the first nine days.
Punjab recorded the highest refusal numbers with over 2.1 million parents declining consent for their daughters’ vaccination. In Sindh, refusals stood at 659,997, while 127,229 refusals were reported in AJK, and 58,456 cases in Islamabad.
Health experts say this reluctance stems mainly from misinformation, cultural beliefs, and a lack of awareness about the safety and benefits of the HPV vaccine. The high refusal rates highlight the need for greater community engagement and awareness campaigns.
Importance of HPV vaccination
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women globally and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The HPV vaccine, administered to girls before they are exposed to the virus, provides long-term protection and significantly reduces cervical cancer rates.
By extending the campaign, Pakistan’s health authorities are reaffirming their commitment to reducing preventable diseases and safeguarding the health of future generations of women.Read more here.
Overcoming barriers to success
To meet the ambitious vaccination targets, health officials are deploying additional strategies, including:
- Awareness sessions in schools and communities.
- Involvement of religious scholars and local leaders to build trust.
- Fact-checking campaigns to counter online misinformation.
- Targeted outreach in rural and underserved areas.
Authorities believe these steps, combined with the extended timeline, will help achieve the set goal of vaccinating more than 11.7 million girls nationwide.
Looking forward
The cervical cancer vaccination campaign in Pakistan marks a turning point in public health. While challenges remain, the extension provides a critical opportunity to reach more families, educate parents, and protect millions of young girls.
If successful, this initiative could pave the way for sustained HPV vaccination programs across Pakistan, ensuring long-term cancer prevention and stronger healthcare systems for future generations.
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FAQs
1. What is the purpose of Pakistan’s cervical cancer vaccination campaign?
The campaign aims to vaccinate girls aged 9–14 with the HPV vaccine to protect them from cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers in women.
2. How many girls are targeted under thecervical cancer vaccination program?
The national campaign has set a target of vaccinating over 11.7 million girls across Pakistan.
3. Why has the cervical cancer vaccination drive been extended?
It has been extended due to high refusal rates and provinces falling short of their vaccination targets. Extensions range from three to seven days, depending on the region.
4. Why are some parents refusing the Cervical Cancer vaccination?
Many refusals are linked to misinformation, cultural hesitations, and a lack of awareness about the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness.
5. Which province reported the highest number of cervical cancer vaccination refusals?
Punjab recorded the highest refusals, with more than 2.1 million parents declining vaccination for their daughters.
