Experts Warn Of Rising Cervical Cancer Cases, Push For HPV Vaccine Awareness

News Desk

Peshawar: Public health experts highlighted the severe threat of cervical cancer, which affects nearly 5,008 women annually in Pakistan, leading to around 3,197 deaths. They stressed the urgent need to raise awareness about the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine to combat this second most common cancer among women.

This call to action was made during a two-day national consultative workshop titled ‘Sehatmand Beti, Sehatmand Gharana’ (Healthy Daughter, Healthy Family).

Organised by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Pakistan with support from Regional Office for South Asia (ROSA), the workshop stressed the importance of gender-responsive interventions. These interventions are crucial for addressing challenges and improving HPV vaccination uptake before the vaccine’s formal rollout in Pakistan, scheduled for 2025, said UNICEF Pakistan Deputy Country Representative Shermeela Rassool.

Federal Directorate of Immunisation (FDI) Director Dr Zafar Iqbal Channa described cervical cancer as a “silent killer” and outlined the government’s plan to introduce the HPV vaccination in phases starting in the second quarter of 2025. Initially, the vaccine will be administered in Punjab, Sindh, and Islamabad, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2026, and Baluchistan and Gilgit Baltistan (GB) in 2027. The vaccination will target girls aged 9 to 14, aiming to protect future generations from this deadly disease.

UNICEF Gender and Development Specialist Fahmida Khan highlighted the vulnerability of adolescent girls, noting that 22 per cent of the female population are adolescents aged 10 to 19, with 88 per cent living in poverty.

Fahmida also pointed out the high cost of the HPV vaccine—around Rs 8,000 at private clinics—which makes it inaccessible to many. Khan suggested involving non-formal education institutes to spread awareness among out-of-school girls.

Jhpiego Pakistan Country Director Dr Amina Khan assured continued support for the HPV vaccination initiative and announced that a knowledge survey on HPV advocacy would soon be shared with stakeholders.

Panelists emphasised the need for strong advocacy to address misconceptions about vaccination and recommended involving media, religious leaders, teachers, politicians, community leaders, and social media influencers to overcome potential hurdles and ensure the success of the vaccination drive.