Cervical Cancer Control in Pakistan: A Narrative Policy Review of HPV Vaccination Rollout and Vaccine Hesitancy: Cervical Cancer: HPV Vaccination Rollout and Vaccine Hesitancy

Muhammad Imran Sajid; Faryal Fatima; Hafiza Ramin Shahzadi; Syeda Nazish Saib; Ansa Ashfaq

doi:10.54393/pbmj.v9i3.1354

Authors

Muhammad Imran Sajid Department of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Faryal Fatima Department of Pharmacy, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
Hafiza Ramin Shahzadi Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
Syeda Nazish Saib epartment of Pharmacy, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Ansa Ashfaq Department of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pbmj.v9i3.1354

Keywords:

Cervical Cancer, Human Papillomavirus Vaccine, Vaccine Hesitancy, Immunization Programs

Abstract

Cervical cancer claims more than 3,000 women in Pakistan each year, which makes it the third most prevalent cause of mortality among cancer patients among women of reproductive age. However, with the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine, there is an opportunity for intervention. However, there are also challenges in the process of vaccine introduction due to mistrust among the population and cultural beliefs. The HPV vaccine campaign will target 13 million girls in Pakistan between the ages of 9 and 14. The bivalent Cecolin vaccine has been tested for safety and effectiveness. However, there is still mistrust among women in Pakistan due to cultural beliefs that the vaccine will cause infertility and immoral behavior. The fact that consent is needed from parents also provides an opportunity for ethical justification. The involvement of ulema in reframing the vaccine as a cancer vaccine, not an STD vaccine, is also significant. This study sought to analyze the scientific, legal, and logistical background of the first nationwide HPV vaccination campaign in Pakistan, which was launched in September 2025. Additionally, this study discussed the history of vaccine hesitancy in Pakistan, particularly in relation to the polio vaccination. Also, we analyzed what strategies have been effective in other Muslim-majority countries, such as Indonesia and Malaysia. The success of the HPV vaccination drive in Pakistan depends on addressing the issue of mistrust. The integration of the vaccine into the existing immunization program is also essential in eliminating cervical cancer.

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