MERF Mobilizes Communities in KP Ahead of HPV Vaccination Campaign to Prevent Cervical Cancer

As part of the Increased HPV Vaccination Coverage through Strengthening Community Engagement and Policy Advocacy in KP project, MERF has launched an intensive pre campaign community awareness drive across Peshawar, Karak, Khyber, Kurram, Nowshera and Mardan in preparation for the HPV vaccination campaign commencing on 2 November 2026 for 12 days. Funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance through MannionDaniels, the initiative aims to build public confidence, improve awareness about cervical cancer prevention and promote acceptance of the HPV vaccine among parents, caregivers and communities.

Dedicated MERF field teams are conducting awareness sessions in schools, health facilities and community gathering places while engaging parents, teachers, religious scholars, local influencers, community elders and youth representatives. These interactive sessions provide accurate information on cervical cancer, address common misconceptions regarding HPV vaccination and encourage informed decision making to ensure greater participation during the upcoming campaign.

To reinforce key messages, MERF teams are distributing Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials including posters, banners, brochures and other educational resources throughout the target districts. The campaign also emphasizes Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) approaches to foster positive health seeking behaviors and strengthen community ownership of immunization efforts.

Through close collaboration with the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), district health authorities, schools, civil society organizations and community stakeholders, the project seeks to create an enabling environment for improved HPV vaccine uptake among adolescent girls. Advocacy and community mobilization efforts are expected to strengthen trust, increase demand for vaccination and contribute to the long-term prevention of cervical cancer in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The pre campaign phase activities reflect MERF’s continued commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of adolescent girls by ensuring communities are informed, engaged and prepared for the successful implementation of the HPV vaccination campaign beginning on 2 November 2026.