HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention in Pakistan: Why are we so far behind?

Cervical cancer remains a major global health challenge, disproportionately affecting women in low- and middle-income countries, largely due to persistent infection with high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) types 16 and 18. In Pakistan, cervical cancer contributes substantially to female cancer morbidity and mortality, yet HPV vaccination coverage, awareness, and uptake remain critically low. Despite the proven effectiveness of HPV vaccines and screening in preventing cervical cancer, Pakistan faces significant social, logistical, and health system barriers that limit impact. Strengthening integration of HPV vaccination into national immunization programs, expanding culturally sensitive awareness initiatives, improving screening services, and adopting inclusive strategies - such as male vaccination - are essential to meet WHO cervical cancer elimination targets.