Punjab has officially added the cervical cancer vaccine to its routine immunisation schedule. The province leads Pakistan with over 90% coverage in the HPV vaccination campaign. Health officials confirmed that more than 6.7 million girls aged nine to 14 have already been vaccinated. This major public health move aims to protect girls from a preventable yet deadly disease.
Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir announced that the HPV vaccine is now the 13th addition to the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). From now on, all nine-year-old girls in Punjab will receive the vaccine as part of routine care. This step integrates cervical cancer prevention into the province’s long-term health policy. The minister called it a landmark decision in safeguarding women’s health.
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Cervical cancer is a serious health threat for women in Pakistan. It is the second most common cancer among women aged 15 to 44. Unlike many cancers, HPV-related cervical cancer is vaccine-preventable. Nazir said the vaccine is approved by the World Health Organization and used globally. Its proven effectiveness makes it an essential tool in cancer prevention efforts.
Globally, 147 countries include the HPV vaccine in their national immunisation programmes. Several Muslim-majority nations—such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Morocco—have also adopted it. Punjab now joins this global initiative, reinforcing its commitment to women’s health. The move sets an example for other provinces to follow.
Read more: HPV vaccine drive: a turning point in public health
Nazir emphasized that early prevention is key to a healthier future. With this initiative, Punjab strengthens its fight against cervical cancer. The inclusion of the HPV vaccine in the EPI marks a milestone in public health policy. It reflects growing awareness about cancer prevention and proactive care for young girls across the province.