Mahtab Bashir
ISLAMABAD
Pakistan's groundbreaking nationwide initiative to
administer the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to over 13 million girls aged
9 to 14 marks a monumental stride in the fight against cervical cancer. The campaign
set to unfold from September 15 to 27, aims to reach every corner of schools
and communities, symbolising a bold commitment to public health. Amidst this
ambitious effort lies a formidable obstacle: the persistent shadows of public
mistrust, the spread of misinformation, and a critical gap in awareness.
Overcoming these challenges will be essential to ensure the success of this
pioneering endeavour and to safeguard the health of future generations.
From the outset, social media has become a battleground of falsehoods, ranging from fears of infertility and halal concerns to conspiracy theories questioning the vaccine’s origins and intentions. These myths are spreading rapidly, creating a barrier that threatens to derail a life-saving campaign.
Cervical cancer, a malignant growth in the cervix, the passage connecting the uterus to the vagina, often develops unnoticed, with early symptoms rarely apparent. When symptoms do appear, they may be mistaken for common ailments, such as irregular bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or urinary discomfort. Early detection is crucial, yet awareness remains alarmingly low.
The vaccine in use, Cecolin, developed in China and introduced globally in 2006, is designed to protect against HPV types 16 and 18, responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases. Already adopted by over 150 countries, this vaccine is a cornerstone of the World Health Organisation's strategy to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.
Courtesy BBC
In Pakistan, where over 5,000 women are diagnosed annually and survival rates are dishearteningly low, the vaccination campaign is a critical intervention. It targets regions including Punjab, Sindh, Islamabad, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with phased plans to expand to other provinces.
The HPV vaccination effort currently underway features Cecolin, a pioneering Chinese-made, single-dose, bivalent vaccine introduced worldwide in 2006. This vaccine targets HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases. With adoption in over 150 countries, Cecolin is part of the World Health Organization’s ambitious global strategy to eradicate cervical cancer by 2030, Dr. Rashida Batool, District Health Officer (DHO), Islamabad, told this scribe.
In Pakistan, where cervical cancer claims the lives of over 5,000 women annually and the survival rate remains alarmingly low at 36%, the urgency for vaccination is critical. The ongoing campaign initially covers regions including Punjab, Sindh, Islamabad, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with plans to expand to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2026, and Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan in 2027.
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| A Consent Form circulated in a private educational institution in Islamabad, Pakistan |
Dr. Rashida shared that the Islamabad campaign aims to immunise 147,000 girls aged 9 to 14, encompassing both school-attending and out-of-school populations.
However, she noted that by the third day of the campaign (September 15-27, 2025), unforeseen challenges emerged, notably vaccine refusals. Despite positive initial reactions from teachers, principals, students, and parents, misinformation spread via social media caused a surge in hesitancy. “Our teams, alongside civil society organisations, are now actively engaging with school authorities, lawmakers, and communities through counselling and awareness initiatives to transform resistance into acceptance,” she explained.
Addressing concerns, Dr. Rashida reaffirmed that the HPV vaccine is well-established and not new. “Since its global debut in 2006, it has been utilised in over 150 countries, significantly reducing cervical cancer incidences. Our goal is to integrate this vaccine into Pakistan’s routine immunisation schedule.”
She further clarified that the vaccine in use, Cecolin, is a single-dose, bivalent formulation that shields against HPV types 16 and 18, strains linked to roughly 70% of cervical cancers.
The DHO acknowledged that resistance and negative narratives are common in vaccination campaigns. “But with accurate information and persistent outreach, we can dispel fears and save countless lives.”
The vaccine, administered as a single dose, has a proven track record in reducing cervical cancer globally. Yet, misconceptions persist: questions about its safety, halal status, and origins continue to circulate. Experts emphasize that the vaccine is safe, effective, and part of a global effort supported by extensive research and testing.
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| A directive from District Edu. Authority, Rawalpindi |
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Now, the message is clear: facts must triumph over fear, and trust must be built brick by brick to safeguard the health of Pakistan’s daughters.
Mahtab Bashir is an Islamabad-based journalist with an MPhil in International Relations and Politics from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.
Private schools find themselves caught between parental apprehensions and government mandates. Dr. Muhammad Afzal Babar of the Private Schools Network (PSN) highlights the need for grassroots awareness. “Parents are confused and fearful, often due to misinformation. Without proper outreach, trust cannot be built,” he asserts.
Data Reveals Critical Gaps
A recent survey by Jhpiego underscores the depth of the challenge: only 19% of caregivers have heard of cervical cancer, 5% know about HPV, and just 2% are aware of the vaccine. Half of those familiar with HPV mistakenly believe a cure exists, illustrating widespread misconceptions.
The campaign’s success hinges on partnerships, local civil society organizations, teachers, health workers, media, and religious leaders are all vital in fostering confidence. Tailored communication, from animated videos to community dialogues, aims to replace fear with facts.
Post-campaign, the government plans to incorporate the HPV vaccine into routine immunisation schedules, ensuring long-term protection. This integration, supported by Gavi, aims to make cervical cancer prevention a standard part of Pakistan’s health landscape.
The fight against cervical cancer extends beyond science; it demands community trust, cultural sensitivity, and collective responsibility. As Dr. Khurram Shahzad, Director, Federal Directorate of Immunisation (FDI), emphasises, “If we unite, parents, healthcare providers, educators, religious leaders, we can forge a future where no girl suffers from a preventable cancer.”
Mahtab Bashir is an Islamabad-based journalist with an MPhil in International Relations and Politics from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.
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