In a major public health move, the Sindh government has officially included the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in its Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), making it free for girls aged nine years and above. With this step, Sindh aims to strengthen protection against cervical cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.
With the addition of the HPV vaccine, the total number of diseases covered under the EPI has increased to 13. The vaccine will be available at more than 100 EPI centers across Sindh and will be administered free of cost. According to Dr. Raj Kumar, Director EPI Sindh, a formal circular has been issued to all district health officers, including Karachi, instructing them to begin vaccinations from January 1, 2026.
The Sindh government has allocated Rs 797 million to the federal government for vaccine procurement over the next three years. Under this initiative, around 700,000 girls will be vaccinated annually. While the federal government will handle vaccine purchases, the provincial government will share the financial responsibility to ensure smooth implementation.
This decision follows a province-wide HPV vaccination campaign launched on September 15, 2025, targeting girls aged 9 to 15 years. However, the campaign faced resistance due to misinformation and mistrust among parents. Health officials revealed that anti-vaccine narratives, including AI-generated videos and fear-driven social media content, played a major role in creating vaccine hesitancy, despite awareness efforts through television, digital platforms, and community outreach.
Health experts emphasize that early vaccination against HPV significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer later in life. The inclusion of the HPV vaccine in the routine immunization program is expected to improve coverage, normalize acceptance, and protect future generations of women in Sindh.