Cervical Cancer Prevention in Pakistan: The Promise of the HPV Vaccine and the Peril of Misinformation

Abstract

Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers we can truly prevent. Caused mainly by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18, it is the fourth most common cancer among women globally and the second most common in Pakistan. Tragically, most deaths occur in developing or resource poor countries, where access to prevention and treatment is limited.¹,²

Unlike many cancers, cervical cancer has two proven lines of defense: primary prevention through the HPV vaccine and secondary prevention through screening and early treatment of precancerous changes. Recognizing this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has set an ambitious “90-70-90” elimination strategy: vaccinate 90% of girls by age 15, screen 70% of women by 35 and again at 45 and treat 90% of those diagnosed. ³

Against this global backdrop, the launch of Pakistan’s HPV vaccination campaign in September 2025 is a landmark moment. Its success, however, will depend not only on logistics but also on whether families trust the vaccine amidst a tide of social media misinformation. The coming years will show whether Pakistan can transform this opportunity into a real step towards eliminating cervical cancer or risk letting it become another under-utilized public health initiative.