Published on, Sept. 29 -- September 29, 2025 5:35 PM

Pakistan's first nationwide HPV vaccination campaign for girls has fallen short of its target, as misinformation and conspiracy theories significantly hindered participation. The drive, aimed at preventing cervical cancer, intended to vaccinate 11.7 million girls but reached only 55.32 percent of the target.

Punjab recorded the highest coverage in the country, achieving 66.32 percent, while Sindh reached 65 percent. Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Islamabad lagged behind, with 39 percent and 35 percent coverage respectively, highlighting stark regional disparities in health awareness and outreach.

A total of 7.7 million girls were vaccinated during the campaign. Punjab administered 5.2 mi...