Shifting mindsets on family planning

In an exclusive interview with Nukta Correspondent Shumaila Khan, Sindh’s Health and Population Welfare Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho discusses one of Pakistan’s most unconventional health initiatives, promoting male sterilization through vasectomy.

In a society where family planning has long been seen as a woman’s responsibility, the campaign marks a rare shift.

Over 3,000 men have opted for vasectomy this year - a 50% increase from 2024. Sindh’s reformist health agenda goes further from vaccinating 4.2 million girls against HPV to tackling polio refusals through awareness and, when needed, stricter action.

Dr. Pechuho says these efforts combine data, dialogue, and determination, reframing public health as a matter of gender balance, trust, and shared responsibility.