Keywords
Vaccine hesitancy
Cervical cancer prevention
Public health
Abstract
Dear editor,
Cervical cancer remains a preventable tragic condition in Pakistan with hundreds of women being affected annually as a result of late presentation and persistent unawareness regarding prevention. Following the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Information Centre, cervical cancer is the second leading cancer among women between 15-44 years of age in Pakistan, where about 5,000 new cases are reported annually, and 3,000 deaths due to the frighteningly high death rate of 60-85% against the global average of 45% [1].
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References
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Pakistan Introduces HPV Vaccine to Protect Girls from Cervical Cancer, Joining 150 Countries. Available at: https://www.unicef.org/pakistan/press-releases/pakistan-introduces-hpv-vaccine-protect-girls-cervical-cancer-joining-150-countries. (Accessed on: 30/10/2025).
Human papillomavirus (HPV). Available at: https://www.who.int/teams/immunization-vaccines-and-biologicals/diseases/human-papillomavirus-vaccines-(HPV). (Accessed on: 30/10/2025).
The Star. 2025. Pakistani parents rebuff HPV vaccine over infertility fears. Available from: https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/09/28/pakistani-parents-rebuff-hpv-vaccine-over-infertility-fears. (Accessed on: 30/10/2025).
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