The government of Pakistan has started its first HPV vaccination campaign in Islamabad, giving the country’s first cervical cancer vaccine to a schoolgirl. This marks an important step in protecting young girls against cervical cancer, a disease that is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women.
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. In most cases, it is caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that spreads through close skin-to-skin contact. While many HPV infections go away on their own, some high-risk types can stay in the body and cause cervical cancer. Because symptoms often appear late, prevention through vaccination is considered the best solution.
The HPV vaccine helps build immunity against dangerous types of HPV before exposure, reducing the risk of cervical cancer later in life. Health experts recommend that girls between 9 and 14 years of age receive the vaccine, as this is when it is most effective. Pakistan’s campaign is targeting school-going girls to ensure wide protection at an early age.
Launching the HPV vaccination program in Islamabad is not only a medical milestone but also a commitment to women’s health in Pakistan. Cervical cancer remains a silent threat in many developing countries, where awareness and preventive care are limited. By introducing the vaccine, the government has taken a major step toward reducing cancer risks and ensuring a healthier future for young women.
