Building Consensus, Saving Lives: AJK’s Roadmap for HPV Vaccine Integration into Routine Immunization

A State Consultation Meeting was organized in Muzaffarabad under the auspices of Jhpiego in coordination with AJK EPI Department on the inclusion of the HPV vaccine in Routine Immunization. The meeting was attended by EPI AJK, the Health Department, MERF, development partners, civil society organizations, media, and other key stakeholders.

The objective of the consultation was to deliberate on the integration of the HPV vaccine into the routine immunization program and to develop a shared strategic roadmap.

MERF presented its efforts on demand generation for HPV vaccination, including community engagement, media awareness, and Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) initiatives aimed at increasing acceptance of the vaccine.

Participants agreed that, under the leadership of EPI AJK, key steps including approval for HPV vaccine integration, phased implementation, micro-planning, training, logistics, and monitoring mechanisms will be finalized. MERF and other partners will continue to provide technical and operational support to strengthen community awareness, media engagement, and demand for HPV vaccination, while collective collaboration among stakeholders will help expedite the approval and rollout process.