Low public awareness of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and associated challenges in Pakistan: an editorial

Cervical cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Pakistan, with over 5000 new cases and 3200 deaths annually. In September 2025, the Federal Directorate of Immunization, supported by World Health Organization, Gavi, and UNICEF, launched Pakistan's first human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign targeting 13 million girls aged 9-14 years. Despite the proven efficacy of a single vaccine dose, awareness remains critically low, with studies showing that most women have little knowledge of HPV or its vaccine. Cultural barriers, misinformation, limited healthcare infrastructure, and inadequate education pose significant challenges, highlighting the need for sustained awareness and community engagement.