The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Wednesday launched a province-wide vaccination campaign against cervical cancer, aiming to immunise approximately 2.9 million girls aged nine to 14, according to the provincial health department.
The campaign, reported by ARY News, is part of efforts to protect young girls against human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancer cases.
Health officials said approximately 5,000 vaccination teams have been formed across the province to carry out the immunisation drive and ensure widespread coverage.
A separate target of vaccinating 300,000 girls has been established for Peshawar, the provincial capital.
According to the health department, vaccination services will be provided through schools, healthcare facilities and community-based outreach programmes to make immunisation accessible to eligible girls.
The arrangements are intended to reach children both within and outside the formal education system, helping maximise participation in the campaign.
HPV vaccination is widely recognised as an effective preventive measure against cervical cancer, particularly when administered before exposure to the virus.
The World Health Organization recommends HPV vaccination as a key component of cervical cancer prevention, with girls aged nine to 14 identified as the primary target population.
Provincial health authorities hope the campaign will provide long-term protection to millions of girls and contribute to reducing the future burden of cervical cancer in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.