Pakistan is seriously struggling with public health and safety. The state has long noticed that in the past, chronic diseases were confined to the rural areas only due to the lack of essential amenities of life. But currently, Pakistan is also experiencing an increase in chronic, viral diseases in urban centers. Women are one of the highly affected categories. In Pakistan, HPV diseases impose a significant burden on feminine health. The 2025 HPV vaccine campaign provides a shield against this challenge. Our country has experienced several health campaigns in the past. Some were highly successful, while others were restricted. The 2025 campaign needs to learn from the past. It demands a new, extensive approach.
What is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a combination of over 200 viruses that cause cancerous conditions, particularly among women. HPV comes under the category of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These viruses lead to cervical, vaginal, penile, and anal cancers. Different types of HPV exist; some are considered ‘low-risk,’ while others are considered ‘high-risk.’ The low-risk HPV only causes warts. Serious illnesses like cancer are caused by certain high-risk HPV. HPV is typically removed from the body by the immune system. The body does not always get rid of the virus, usually when it comes to high-risk strains. We refer to this HPV infection as persistent.
HPV Symptoms
When a patient is diagnosed with HPV, he/she typically don’t experience any symptoms. In case symptoms occur, then only warts start appearing on the genitals. Warts appear as rough lumps on the affected area. They may also look like skin tags. They usually appear a month or year after a low-risk HPV infection. The genital warts can spread. They are also very unpleasant and cause itching.
What is Cervical Cancer?
When there is an abnormal cell replication that occurs in the cervix, which is the lower section of the womb, cervical cancer ensues. Abnormal cells may form on the cervix due to persistent HPV infection and, if untreated, may evolve to become cervical cancer.
HPV Cancers in Pakistan
In Pakistan, HPV is a common cause of cancer, especially cervical cancer. Policymakers have already been urged to act immediately by the World Health Organization (WHO).
We can identify certain types of HPV, such as HPV 16 and 18, which are generally found among Pakistani women with these cancers. As of 2023-2024, the statistics report that annually 5008 women are found to have cervical cancer, and 3197 women lose their lives due to the disease.
The HPV Vaccination Campaign
In 2025, UNICEF, in partnership with GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, and the World Health Organization, will assist the Government of Pakistan in introducing the HPV vaccine to protect millions of young girls against the lingering threat of cervical cancer.
HPV vaccination targets around 17.8 million girls. An initial campaign will reach 15 million girls, with subsequent introduction into routine immunization, reaching an additional 2.8 million girls. The vaccine is given to girls 9 years and older, preferably with prior exposure to the virus, supporting Pakistan’s transition towards preventive health in alignment with global elimination targets, making it one of 150 countries with a WHO pre-qualified vaccine.
Thabani Maphosa, Chief Country Delivery Officer, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, said, “One dose of the HPV vaccine can protect against most forms of cervical cancer. But a woman still dies of this preventable disease every two minutes, including thousands annually in Pakistan. Due to the vision of the Government of Pakistan and the dedication of our stakeholders, we now have the opportunity to redefine the future of women’s health in the nation, empowering millions of girls to save their lives and chase their aspirations.”
Major Goals
Under the umbrella of the 2018 WHA Resolution, the 2025 HPV vaccination campaign operates on the 90-70-90 targets by the 2023 principle.
- 90% of girls who are vaccinated against HPV by age 15
- 70% of women should undergo cervical cancer screening at age 35 and be re-screened at age 45
- Treatment received by 90% of women with cervical disease
WHO suggests giving priority to girls for the maximum immediate effect with limited resources. High-income countries also vaccinate boys in some cases, but girls are still the worldwide priority for the prevention of cervical cancer.
The HPV Vaccine Type
Cecolin, a WHO-prequalified bivalent HPV vaccine, is being administered in Pakistan to prevent types 16 and 18, which account for about 70% of cervical cancer cases. For this age group, a single dose is advised because it is safe and effective. The safety monitoring is done via national Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) systems under WHO oversight. Its side effects are soreness, tiredness, and mild fever. Fainting is possible but avoidable with 15 minutes of observation post-vaccination. Not a single piece of evidence has been reported regarding the vaccine’s negative impacts on human fertility.
Public Health Challenges Facing the Campaign
- Literacy and Awareness Gaps
In Pakistan, particularly in rural communities, individuals without prior information simply see all vaccines as threats to their lives. As a result of insufficient education and awareness campaigns, individuals remain oblivious to different cancers and their vaccinations. Illiteracy and cultural norms are therefore the main obstacles to public health in Pakistan.
- Accessibility
The majority of Pakistani girls aged 9–14 years are out of school, and it would be very hard for health workers to vaccinate them. The problem is even more intensified in flood-affected areas, distant rural areas, and among migrant population communities where access is already constrained.
- Infrastructural Constraints
Pakistan’s healthcare system is gripped by the inadequacy of proper infrastructure. Specialist training for most vaccinators is inadequate, and outreach teams are thin, especially in rural and disadvantaged environments. Weaknesses in facility, logistics, and distribution further compound the challenges of implementing a smooth, mass immunization program, leaving many communities under-covered.
Conclusion
The 2025 campaign on HPV vaccination in Pakistan is a bold move against the increasing danger of cancerous illnesses. It aims at young girls to cut risks for cervical cancer amidst harsh public health conditions. From rural access issues to hesitancy, the hurdles are high, but strategies such as education and social connections can bring them down. Vaccinate children early, disseminate correct information to counteract fears, and advocate for improved mechanisms. These actions safeguard women and construct a healthier country. Consult your physician about immunizations. Support at the local level and pass on this information. Collectively, we can establish a brighter, safer Pakistan for our daughters to thrive.
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The views and opinions expressed in this article/paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Paradigm Shift.
He is pursuing a BS in International Relations programme from International Islamic University, Islamabad and has a keen interest in research works, policy analysis, defence and strategic studies and conflict resolution.