ISLAMABAD:(The COW News Digital)-The Government of Pakistan has extended its nationwide HPV vaccination campaign to ensure more adolescent girls are protected against cervical cancer. The campaign, which began on September 15, 2025, aimed to vaccinate around 13 million girls aged 9–14. So far, nearly 9 million girls have received the vaccine, but health officials say more time is needed to reach the remaining population. In provinces like Sindh, the drive has been prolonged until October 1, with schools and mobile teams continuing outreach to cover those who were missed.
Health experts highlight that the campaign faced challenges, including misinformation, parental hesitancy, and logistical barriers in reaching remote communities. With support from the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and Gavi, thousands of health workers have been mobilized to address these gaps. Officials believe the extension is crucial for maximizing coverage and represents a major step toward reducing the long-term burden of cervical cancer in Pakistan.
