Indus Hospital and Health Network organize ‘Health Carnival’ at the launch of the National HPV Vaccination Campaign

The Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) kicked off Pakistan’s national HPV vaccination campaign with a lively health carnival in Sultanabad, Karachi, bringing together government leaders, international partners, healthcare professionals, and the community to mark a milestone in women’s health.

The Honorable Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Minister for Health and Population Welfare Department, Sindh, inaugurated the carnival with a ribbon-cutting and remarked: “Today, we take a giant step forward in protecting women’s health. The HPV vaccine is more than a medical intervention; it is a national commitment to safeguarding the next generation.” She added: “This campaign is a milestone in our national commitment to disease prevention. The HPV vaccination campaign will strengthen the foundations of public health in Pakistan.”

At the carnival, families registered before joining the Health Baithak, where artist and IHHN brand ambassador Sania Saeed engaged girls and parents in a discussion on HPV and cervical cancer. Afterwards, the girls received their free HPV vaccine at the EPI booth, then made impressions with their painted hands on a specially made wall with a banner reading “I Am Vaccinated”—a colorful pledge to protection.

Festive activities followed: face painting, a nutrition stall with guidance on healthy living, and a quiz bowl on HPV, hygiene, and nutrition with prizes for correct answers. Children’s drawings and paintings were displayed around the carnival, while local families sold snacks and juices, reflecting community ownership. A photo booth and media wall allowed participants to record testimonials and capture memories of their vaccination.

A high-level delegation from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance—a key partner and donor—attended, led by Mr. Thabani Maphosa, Chief Country Delivery Officer, with Ms. Carrie Gheen, Senior Country Manager for Pakistan, and Mr. Craig Beyerinck, Senior Programme Manager for High Impact Countries. Their participation emphasized Gavi’s support for equitable vaccine access.

“A single dose of the HPV vaccine can prevent most cases of cervical cancer. Yet every two minutes, a woman loses her life to this disease, including thousands in Pakistan each year,” said Thabani Maphosa, Chief Country Delivery Officer at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. “Thanks to the leadership of the Government of Pakistan and the commitment of our partners, we now have the chance to reshape the future of women’s health in the country, giving millions of girls the power to protect their lives and pursue their dreams.”

The health carnival also highlighted how government leadership, donor commitment, and community participation came together to launch the campaign in a spirit of unity and celebration.

Dr. Abdul Bari Khan, President of IHHN, said: “We are honored to be a part of this watershed moment in Pakistan’s health journey. This campaign resonates with our ethos at IHHN. We believe that healthcare should be accessible to everyone, and vaccines are an important part of preventive health. This campaign ensures that even the most vulnerable have access to life-saving protection, in line with our vision of healthcare without discrimination.”

The carnival was more than a launch, it was a celebration of unity. With ribbon-cutting by the government, support from donors, and the active participation of local families and young girls, Pakistan’s journey toward cervical cancer prevention began with ownership, joy, and hope.