ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s recent rollout of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, aimed at protecting 13 million girls aged 9–14, has met with significant parental skepticism. Amid rising concerns about its necessity, parents have raised important questions regarding the relevance of this vaccination, particularly in light of the country’s existing health challenges.
While cervical cancer remains a global health concern, its direct impact in Pakistan is lower compared to other regions. According to the World Health Organization’s latest data for 2025, Pakistan ranks relatively lower in cervical cancer incidence in comparison to neighboring countries in South Asia. In 2025, there are approximately 5,000 new cases of cervical cancer annually, with a mortality rate of around 3,000 deaths each year due to the disease. Despite this, Pakistan’s cervical cancer incidence rate remains below 6 per 100,000 women (who.int).
A key concern among parents is the sudden introduction of a free HPV vaccine when Pakistan’s economy is already under significant strain. Many wonder why the government has chosen to prioritize this vaccination drive, particularly when the country faces more immediate health challenges, such as malnutrition, maternal health issues, and rising infectious diseases like dengue. The government’s decision to launch the HPV vaccination program, despite limited healthcare resources, has raised questions about the allocation of public funds, especially given Pakistan’s ongoing economic struggles.
Critics argue that the funds spent on the HPV vaccination campaign could be better utilized for addressing more pressing healthcare needs, particularly in rural areas. A 2025 health report from the Pakistan Medical Association suggests that significant portions of the population still lack access to essential medical services, including basic vaccinations and maternal healthcare. In these areas, prioritizing a vaccination program for a disease that, although impactful, is not the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Pakistan, raises questions about the best use of resources.
In addition, the country’s cervical cancer screening rates remain abysmally low, with less than 10% of eligible women screened regularly. Healthcare advocates argue that addressing these gaps could yield more immediate benefits in reducing cervical cancer deaths compared to rolling out a national vaccination campaign.
The main barrier to the success of the HPV vaccination campaign lies in overcoming misinformation and cultural hesitations among parents. Many parents, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, are concerned about the safety of the vaccine and its potential side effects. Local studies, such as those conducted in Punjab and Sindh in 2025, report a 22% refusal rate for the vaccine, with common concerns including its long-term effects and the perceived low risk of cervical cancer among young girls.
A study published by the Journal of Community Health in 2025 highlights that vaccine hesitancy is often fueled by misinformation circulating in local communities, particularly about the side effects of the vaccine and the perceived lack of urgency in administering it. Health experts stress the importance of comprehensive public education campaigns to address these concerns and build trust in the vaccine’s safety and necessity.
While the HPV vaccination program represents an important long-term investment in public health, especially for women’s health, it must be accompanied by efforts to address immediate healthcare needs, such as improving screening facilities and maternal healthcare access. Addressing the concerns of parents and educating them about the importance of the HPV vaccine will be crucial in achieving the campaign’s goal of vaccinating 13 million girls and reducing future cervical cancer rates.
Ultimately, for the campaign to succeed, it must balance proactive cancer prevention with immediate healthcare priorities and effectively build public confidence through transparency, education, and accessible information.
