HPV Campaign

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was introduced for the first time in Pakistan as an important public health intervention to reduce the future burden of cervical cancer among women. In this context, the HPV vaccination campaign was launched in Islamabad on 15 September 2025, targeting girls aged 9–14 years across urban, peri-urban, and hard-to-reach areas of the Islamabad Capital Territory. An estimated 147,725 girls were identified as the target population. The campaign aimed to ensure equitable access to vaccination, raise community awareness, and lay the groundwork for sustainable integration of the HPV vaccine into routine immunization services. Extensive preparatory work was undertaken prior to the campaign. Comprehensive micro-planning for 12 days of vaccination activities was completed well in advance, detailing target population estimates, area-specific vaccination strategies, deployment of human resources, logistics and cold chain arrangements, training plans, social mobilization activities, waste management protocols, and detailed area maps with daily routes for each vaccination team. Micro-planning training sessions were conducted on 3rd and 4th June 2025 for team leads and area in-charges, followed by the distribution of micro-planning booklets to all teams. Subsequently, desk reviews and field validation of micro-plans were carried out, and necessary corrections were incorporated to improve feasibility, accuracy, and overall coverage. Capacity-building activities continued in the months leading up to implementation. Technical training sessions for first- and second-level supervisors were conducted on 12th and 15th August 2025, followed by cascade training of skilled vaccinators, team assistants, and orientation sessions for social mobilizers. These efforts ensured that all personnel involved were adequately prepared to deliver vaccination services safely, efficiently, and with appropriate communication and community engagement skills. The campaign was implemented from 15 to 27 September 2025 using a mixed delivery strategy that included fixed-site, outreach, and school-based vaccination sessions. This approach enabled access to eligible girls in diverse settings, including underserved and difficult-to-reach communities. Over the 12-day period, a large workforce was deployed, comprising 146 skilled vaccinators, 146 team assistants, 283 social mobilizers, 58 first-level supervisors, 8 second-level supervisors, and 4 members of the District Health Management Team. Continuous monitoring, supportive supervision, and real-time coordination were carried out throughout the campaign to address operational challenges.