Male HPV Vaccination in Pakistan: An Overlooked Preventive Strategy

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has been introduced in Pakistan to protect girls against cervical cancer. However, the exclusive focus on females overlooks the significant burden of HPV-related diseases in men, including oropharyngeal, anal, and penile cancers, as well as anogenital warts. Discussion: Evidence demonstrates that male HPV vaccination reduces HPV infections, precancerous lesions, and genital warts, while also enhancing herd protection. In contexts where female vaccine uptake is suboptimal, such as Pakistan, gender-neutral vaccination strategies are particularly effective. Operationally, Pakistan’s immunization infrastructure, experience from polio campaigns, and the WHO’s endorsement of single-dose schedules provide feasible pathways for inclusion of boys. Conclusion: Restricting HPV vaccination to girls reinforces misconceptions of HPV as a “women’s disease,” neglects men’s right to protection, and slows progress toward elimination. Expanding HPV vaccination to include boys would accelerate population-level benefits, promote equity, and align Pakistan’s strategy with global best practices.