WHO urges wider awareness before HPV vaccine campaign

PESHAWAR: World Health Organization (WHO) has advised health authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to increase public awareness and staff training before launching the HPV vaccination campaign.

The recommendation followed a post campaign coverage survey conducted after last year’s HPV vaccination drive in Punjab, Sindh, Islamabad, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The campaign targeted girls between 9 and 14 years of age to protect them from HPV related diseases and cervical cancer.

The survey report showed that many parents and caregivers still lack proper knowledge about HPV vaccines and cervical cancer risks. Around 51.6 percent of respondents considered the vaccine important for girls’ health.

However, many people either doubted the vaccine or remained uncertain about its benefits. Health experts believe misinformation and low awareness continue creating major challenges for vaccination campaigns across Pakistan.

The report also highlighted concerns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where awareness activities have not started on a large scale. Local gynecologists warned that the province already faced difficulties during polio vaccination campaigns because of public misconceptions.

Doctors urged the health department to begin awareness programs immediately with support from schools, journalists, and medical associations. They also suggested starting educational campaigns at least six months before the official launch of HPV vaccination efforts.

According to the survey, Pakistan faces a growing cervical cancer burden among women. The report estimated that nearly 73.8 million women remain at risk of developing cervical cancer.

The WHO explained that HPV infection causes almost 99 percent of cervical cancer cases worldwide. Sindh recorded the highest HPV vaccine coverage at 68.6 percent, while Azad Jammu and Kashmir reported the lowest coverage at 39.2 percent.

Health officials said preparations for future HPV campaigns have already started in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Experts now stress that stronger awareness campaigns, proper training, and community support will play a key role in improving vaccination coverage and protecting young girls from preventable diseases across Pakistan.