ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has launched its first nationwide effort to fight cervical cancer through the introduction of HPV vaccination in Pakistan. The campaign began in Islamabad, where a schoolgirl received the country’s very first cervical cancer vaccine.
Officials said the initiative is designed to protect young girls from cervical cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women around the world.
Cervical cancer begins in the cells of the cervix, the lower section of the uterus that connects to the vagina. In most cases, it develops due to persistent infection with high-risk strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The disease is usually slow to progress, but if left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms may include abnormal bleeding, pelvic discomfort, or pain during intercourse. Yet, in many women, there are no clear signs until the illness reaches an advanced stage. This makes prevention through HPV vaccination in Pakistan even more critical.
HPV itself is one of the most widespread sexually transmitted infections. Although most infections clear on their own, certain strains lead directly to cervical cancer. Global medical experts confirm that nearly all cervical cancer cases are linked to HPV. The virus spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact and can remain undetected for many years. For this reason, vaccination and regular screening are considered essential steps in prevention.
The HPV vaccine is specifically created to guard against the most dangerous strains of the virus that cause cervical cancer. By strengthening the body’s immunity before exposure, it sharply reduces the risk of developing cancer later in life. Health professionals recommend that girls receive the vaccine between the ages of 9 and 14, when it offers the strongest protection. The newly introduced program of HPV vaccination in Pakistan follows these guidelines by focusing on school-going girls.
According to public health officials, this launch is not only a medical milestone but also a social and preventive breakthrough. The government chose Islamabad’s schools to set the foundation for broader expansion of the project across the country. Experts said the introduction of HPV vaccination in Pakistan signals a serious commitment to women’s health, cancer prevention, and national awareness.
In developing nations, cervical cancer has long been a silent killer because of low awareness, late detection, and the absence of preventive care. By starting this campaign, Pakistan has joined global efforts to control one of the deadliest yet preventable diseases.
