Shahzad Rasheed
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is preparing for a major province-wide HPV vaccination campaign scheduled from November 2 to 14, 2026. Organized through the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) KP, the initiative aims to target roughly 2.6 to 2.9 million adolescent girls aged 9 to 14 to prevent cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is a type of disease where cells in the cervix—the lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects to the vagina—grow out of control. It is almost always caused by a long-lasting infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). When caught early through routine screening, it is one of the most successfully treatable and preventable forms of cancer.
In its early stages, cervical cancer usually causes no noticeable signs. As the condition progresses, warning signs typically include abnormal vaginal bleeding (such as after sex, between periods, or post-menopause), unusual discharge, and pelvic discomfort or pain during intercourse.
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by a long-lasting infection with high-risk types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus spread through sexual contact. While most HPV infections go away on their own, persistent infections can cause DNA changes in cervical cells, turning normal tissue into abnormal cells and eventually cancer.
In Pakistan, approximately 5,000 to 5,300 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year, resulting in roughly 3,000 to 3,200 deaths annually. It ranks as the third most frequent cancer among women nationwide and the second most common among women aged 15 to 44.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set out a global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, and around 150 countries worldwide, including many low- and middle-income countries, have already made progress through national vaccination programmes against the human papillomavirus (HPV) which is the underlying cause of the vast majority of cases of cervical cancer.
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Department of Health has announced the launch of a major HPV vaccination campaign in November 2026 to protect girls from cervical cancer. All necessary preparations for the initiative have been completed.
Under the campaign, a province-wide special catch-up vaccination drive will provide free HPV vaccine to all eligible girls aged 9 to 14 years. The ambitious target is to vaccinate approximately 2.9 million girls, including 1.6 million school-going and 1.3 million out-of-school girls.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa health department has begun the training of staff members and nomination of focal persons in education and other relevant departments to ensure access to most of the target population in the province-wide HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination campaign scheduled to begin November. The Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) of the health department, in collaboration with the education department and UN agencies, has planned to target girls from 9-14 years to safeguard them against cervical cancer. The officials said that two vaccination strategies would be adopted, including one for school-based girls and another in communities for those not going to schools.
Cervical cancer remains a significant public health challenge in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Several factors contribute to the high rates of cervical cancer in KP. Early marriages and high fertility rates increase the risk of HPV transmission, while limited awareness about reproductive health and hygiene practices leaves women vulnerable. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach. Incorporating the HPV vaccine into the national immunization programme would ensure wider access, particularly for girls aged 9–14 years.
Collaborating with global health organizations, such as WHO and GAVI, could help reduce vaccine costs, making it more affordable for the general population. Expanding screening services to rural areas and training healthcare workers in low-cost methods like Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) could significantly improve early detection rates. Integrating cervical cancer screening into existing maternal and child health services would also extend its reach to more women across the country.
Public awareness campaigns, supported by community influencers and healthcare providers, could play a crucial role in addressing cultural and social barriers, encouraging women to seek vaccination and screening. Additionally, strengthening healthcare infrastructure by establishing more oncology centres and providing incentives for healthcare professionals to work in underserved areas would further improve access to preventive care and treatment. These combined efforts have the potential to significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and improve health outcomes for women within the province.
