Shabinda Farzeen
Cervical cancer is one of the top causes of cancer related deaths among women, however many people in Pakistan know very little about it. In its early stages, the illness frequently shows no obvious symptoms. It can have grown to an advanced state by the time it is diagnosed. The good news is that routine screening and vaccination can prevent cervical cancer.
The cervix, the bottom portion of a woman’s womb, is where cervical cancer develops. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of it. Most of the time, the body gets rid of the infection on its own, but if an HPV infection persists for a long period, it can lead to cervical cancer.
According to global estimates, around 660,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 348,000 died from the disease in 2022. It is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. In Pakistan, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer among women with more than 5,000 new cases reported every year. The situation is concerning because many women are diagnosed at a late stage due to a lack of awareness.
One of the most serious challenges in Pakistan is that few women undergo cervical cancer screening. Many women are unaware that screening or vaccination is available, or even that the condition can be discovered early. Their lives are at risk due to a lack of knowledge.
Fortunately, cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented through vaccination. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancer cases. It works best when given at a young age, before a person is exposed to the virus.
To raise awareness about the importance of HPV vaccination and help protect young girls, the Health Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, organized a Media Orientation Workshop at the ERU Hall, DHO Office, Peshawar. The workshop was held with the support of the Medical Emergency Resilience Foundation (MERF) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, ahead of the second phase of the Cervical Cancer Prevention Campaign, scheduled to run from November 11 to November 24, 2026.
The campaign’s goal is to vaccinate approximately 2.9 million girls aged 9 to 14 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This includes both girls who are enrolled in schools and madrassas and those who are not. In Peshawar District, the goal is to vaccinate 374,000 eligible girls. Parents can get their daughters vaccinated at schools, madrassas, community centers, and government health clinics.
The vaccination isn’t new. Many nations, like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Türkiye, have already implemented HPV immunization programs. Pakistan also launched the initial phase of the program in 2025 across Punjab, Sindh, Islamabad, and Azad Jammu Kashmir. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is currently prepared to join this vital initiative.
People should also understand the warning indications of cervical cancer. These may include irregular vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, loss of hunger, and constant fatigue. However, these symptoms can also indicate other health issues. Anyone having them should see a doctor. Regular screening is particularly necessary because early-stage cervical cancer may not show any symptoms.
Parents are frequently concerned when they learn about a vaccine for their children. However, it is important to remember that the HPV vaccine has been used in many countries and has a great safety record. It is not a cancer treatment; but instead, it prevents the infection that can progress to cervical cancer.
This program isn’t simply about giving shots. It is all about saving lives through education and prevention. Parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community members all play significant roles. Instead of spreading rumors or fear, people should seek accurate information from health professionals and encourage families to participate in the campaign.
A little awareness now can save a girl from a deadly disease in the future. No parent would wish to see their daughter suffer from a curable condition. We should never give up the opportunity to protect our girls through the HPV vaccine.
