The Punjab Health Department has announced the start of a province-wide cervical cancer vaccination campaign beginning on Monday, September 15, 2025. The initiative is aimed at protecting young girls from the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer worldwide.
Target Group for Vaccination
According to health officials, the vaccination drive will specifically target girls aged 9 to 14 years. This age group has been identified as the most effective window for HPV immunization, ensuring long-term protection before potential exposure to the virus.
District-Level Implementation
The campaign in Gujrat district will be carried out under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Noorul Ain Qureshi, alongside District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. Ghamkhar Hussain Shah and DHO Preventive Services Dr. Syed Muhammad Aitezaz Ahmed.
Local authorities have urged parents to actively participate by ensuring timely vaccination of their daughters. Officials stressed that this step is crucial for securing future health and reducing the risk of cervical cancer among women.
Part of Preventive Healthcare Strategy
The HPV vaccination program is part of Punjab’s broader effort to strengthen preventive healthcare measures and reduce the prevalence of diseases linked to lifestyle and environmental factors. Cervical cancer, if detected late, can be life-threatening, but it is one of the few cancers that can be prevented through vaccination and early screening.
National and Global Significance
Health experts point out that this campaign is in line with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for HPV vaccination as a public health priority. Countries that have already introduced large-scale vaccination programs have seen a significant reduction in cervical cancer rates.
Parents’ Role and Public Awareness
Parents are being called upon to ensure their daughters benefit from the campaign. Authorities have also launched awareness efforts to educate families about the importance of HPV vaccination, dispelling myths and encouraging broader acceptance of preventive healthcare.
