HPV vaccine secures a safe future for our daughters

For the first time in Pakistan's history, a comprehensive HPV vaccination campaign has been launched to protect girls aged 9 to 14 from cervical cancer, a deadly yet preventable disease. Each year, cervical cancer claims the lives of more than 3,000 women in the country, with around 5,000 new cases diagnosed — most at late stages when treatment is less effective. Decades of global research have confirmed that the HPV vaccine is safe and effective, and endorsed by the World Health Organization. Pakistan has now joined over 150 countries that are already protecting their girls with this life-saving vaccine.

Sindh is at the forefront of this campaign, not only by setting ambitious targets but also by adopting practical, transparent strategies that inspire trust. The province aims to vaccinate 4.1 million girls, and in just the first six days, over 700,000 girls have already been vaccinated. This remarkable success is credited to the leadership of Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho and Education Minister Sardar Shah, who made schools the centerpiece of the campaign. Initiatives such as special vaccination days at the Karachi Press Club demonstrated that transparency and accessibility are top priorities.

Behind this effort is year-round planning and preparation. Under the guidance of Secretary Health Sindh Rehan Iqbal Baloch, Project Director EPI Sindh Dr Raj Kumar and Additional Director Dr Sohail Raza Shaikh have worked tirelessly with their teams to ensure that logistics, training communication, and monitoring systems are in place to make this campaign a success. Their leadership reflects a sustained commitment to protecting the health of Sindh's daughters beyond just a one-time drive.

One of the strongest signals of trust came from Pakistan's leading medical professionals, who were the first to vaccinate their own daughters. Professor Dr Khalid Shafi ensured that his 13-year-old daughter Ayesha received the shot on the very first day. Other prominent experts, including Professor Dr Nighat Shah, Dr Haleema Yasmeen (JPMC), Dr Tazeen Abbas, Dr Muslima Ejaz (AKU), Dr Aliya Aziz (AKU), Dr Farah Qamar, Dr Atika Sher and Dr Sadia Pal, openly acknowledged that before the vaccine was available through public channels, they purchased it privately to protect their daughters. These examples carry a powerful message: those who understand the science best trust it the most.

The country's top leadership also set an inspiring example. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal ensured his daughter was among the first to be vaccinated, reinforcing that the government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the people in trusting science over rumour.

The media community also stepped forward. At the inauguration at the Karachi Press Club, daughters of journalists were among the very first to be vaccinated. The 14-year-old daughter of Abdullah Sarohi, Bureau Chief of the Associated Press of Pakistan, confidently received her vaccine, symbolising the media's commitment to supporting the campaign and reinforcing the truth over rumour.

Schoolteachers played a similar role in shaping trust. Many principals and teachers brought their own daughters to be vaccinated at the front of the queue. Parents, seeing this with their own eyes, felt reassured and followed suit. These small but powerful acts within schools created ripples of confidence in communities where skepticism had lingered.

Civil society and cultural figures amplified the message further. Singer and education activist Shehzad Roy and acclaimed actress Sania Saeed used their platforms to urge parents not to believe false propaganda but to trust doctors and protect their daughters. Political leaders, including Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani, Shehla Raza and Mahesh Malani, also endorsed the campaign, showing that this initiative transcends politics and unites all for the future of Pakistan's girls.

The campaign has also drawn international attention. A high-level delegation led by UN Resident Coordinator Mohammad Yahya and UNICEF Sindh Chief Prem Bahadur Chand visited Umerkot to observe the HPV vaccination drive in schools and communities. Their presence, alongside Sindh government officials and local leaders, not only encouraged health workers but also reassured parents that the global community stands with Pakistan in its mission to eliminate cervical cancer. The delegation praised the efforts of EPI Sindh and UNICEF for ensuring that vaccines reach even remote districts, demonstrating that no child is left behind.

While misinformation initially spread on social media — claims that the vaccine causes infertility or is religiously inappropriate — the response from experts, government and civil society quickly neutralised such rumours. International and national data confirm that between 50 and 60 per cent of people hold positive attitudes toward HPV vaccination, while only 7 to 15 per cent express negative views, often shaped by misinformation. Interestingly, nearly 79 per cent of online discussion is neutral, with people asking questions or sharing information rather than strongly opposing.

A recent survey among Pakistani women showed that 54 per cent were aware of the HPV vaccine. Among doctors, attitudes were overwhelmingly positive, with 91 per cent supporting its use, though only 37 per cent had actively recommended it to their patients. This gap highlights the importance of public campaigns and awareness drives like the one currently underway.

The HPV vaccine is not just a shot; it is a promise of protection and a guarantee of a safer future for Pakistan's daughters. This campaign demonstrates that when government, civil society, doctors, journalists, teachers, international partners and influencers stand together for one purpose, rumours lose their weight and truth prevails. Sindh's success is a model for the rest of the country and sends a clear message: science has triumphed, and our daughters are moving toward a healthier and safer tomorrow.