Stakeholders Commit to Ensuring HPV Vaccine's Success in Preventing Cervical Cancer in Pakistan

Published: February 28, 2025 | 04:30 PM

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Feb, 2025) – In a significant move to combat cervical cancer, which remains one of the most prevalent forms of cancer among women in Pakistan, public health stakeholders have vowed to fully support the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into the national immunization program. This strategic initiative aims to drastically reduce the impact of cervical cancer, which is the third most common cancer affecting women of all ages in the country.

1. Introduction to the HPV Vaccine Initiative

The Provincial Stakeholders Consultative Workshop on HPV vaccination was organized by Jhpiego, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University USA, in collaboration with the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The workshop served as a platform to bring together key stakeholders, including public health officials, experts, and government representatives, to deliberate on the successful implementation of the vaccine rollout.

2. Importance of Introducing HPV Vaccine in Pakistan

The workshop featured prominent personalities like Dr. Asghar Khan, Director of EPI KP; Dr. Noor-ul-Ain Anni, consultant oncologist at IRNUM; Prof. Dr. Gul Rukh Qazi, Chairperson of the SOGP Peshawar Chapter; Samina Iltaf, Director of Education KP; Dr. Maryam Sarfaraz, Professor at Health Services Academy; Inamullah Khan of UNICEF; and Dr. Kashif Muqarab from WHO. Each of these figures contributed their insights on the urgency and importance of HPV vaccination as a preventive measure for cervical cancer.

In her welcome address, Dr. Aminah Khan, Country Director of Jhpiego Pakistan, emphasized the need for immediate action. She noted that cervical cancer ranks as the second most frequent cancer among women aged 15 to 49 and the third most prevalent cancer among women of all ages in Pakistan. According to data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Pakistan recorded 5,008 new cervical cancer cases and 3,197 deaths related to cervical cancer in 2020 alone.

3. National Plan for Introducing HPV Vaccine

To address this pressing issue, the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) made the formal recommendation in July 2023 to include the HPV vaccine in Pakistan’s routine immunization program. As part of this initiative, Pakistan plans to roll out the vaccine in 2025, initially targeting girls between the ages of 9 and 14 years. The program will be implemented in phases across various regions to ensure equitable access.

Dr. Aminah further elaborated that Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has provided crucial financial and technical support for the initiative, ensuring that resources are available to roll out the vaccine effectively. However, she emphasized that success would depend heavily on strong stakeholder involvement and community engagement to foster public acceptance and ensure the vaccine reaches its target population.

4. Stakeholder Support and Preparations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Dr. Asghar Khan, Director of EPI KP, reassured participants of the provincial government’s unwavering support for the HPV vaccine program. He shared that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) plans to introduce the vaccine in the third quarter of 2026. Preparations are already in motion, with 200 female vaccinators recruited for the task. However, Dr. Asghar acknowledged that this number would need to be expanded, announcing that an additional 18,000 Lady Health Workers (LHWs) will be trained to assist in vaccine administration.

5. Key Role of UNICEF and WHO in HPV Vaccine Introduction

Inamullah Khan, Health Specialist at UNICEF, highlighted that the introduction of the HPV vaccine is not just a health initiative, but a national cause requiring support from all sectors of society. He emphasized that UNICEF is already working on creating educational materials and raising awareness about the vaccine’s benefits. Given the cultural and religious sensitivities, UNICEF is actively collaborating with religious scholars, educators, politicians, and media outlets to ensure widespread public understanding and acceptance.

Dr. Kashif Muqarab, representing WHO, shared exciting developments regarding the upcoming National Immunization Strategy, which will feature a chapter dedicated to incorporating the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) into the school curriculum. This strategy aims to equip children and young adults with the necessary knowledge about the importance of vaccinations.

6. Extending Awareness and Addressing Cultural Barriers

Samina Iltaf, Director of Education KP, suggested that the awareness campaign should be extended to religious seminaries to ensure that even girls who do not attend formal schools are informed about the benefits of the HPV vaccine. She also proposed appointing focal persons in schools to engage students and their parents about the vaccine during teacher-parent meetings and other school gatherings.

7. Understanding Cervical Cancer and the Role of the HPV Vaccine

During the workshop, Dr. Maryam Sarfaraz delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining the dangers of cervical cancer and the critical role of the HPV vaccine in preventing it. She explained that cervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent infections with high-risk strains of HPV. Despite the established link between HPV infections and cervical cancer, Pakistan has struggled with low screening rates, with only one in ten women having been screened for cervical cancer in the past five years.

Dr. Maryam emphasized that the introduction of the HPV vaccine should be viewed as primary prevention, aimed at reducing the incidence of cervical cancer across the country. She also urged for enhanced awareness campaigns, increased access to screening, and the implementation of the vaccine under the National Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).

8. The Path Forward: Ensuring HPV Vaccine Success

The consultative workshop concluded with a unified commitment from all stakeholders to ensure the HPV vaccine rollout is a success. Participants agreed that robust awareness campaigns, community engagement, and strategic planning are essential to overcoming cultural barriers and ensuring widespread acceptance of the vaccine. These efforts will play a critical role in the prevention of cervical cancer, improving the health of women and girls across Pakistan.

Copyright Notice:

Introduction to the HPV Vaccine Initiative
Importance of Introducing HPV Vaccine in Pakistan
National Plan for Introducing HPV Vaccine
Stakeholder Support and Preparations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Key Role of UNICEF and WHO in HPV Vaccine Introduction
Extending Awareness and Addressing Cultural Barriers
Understanding Cervical Cancer and the Role of the HPV Vaccine
The Path Forward: Ensuring HPV Vaccine Success

Saturday, March 1, 2025

Stakeholders Commit to Ensuring HPV Vaccine's Success in Preventing Cervical Cancer in Pakistan