Pakistan’s Cervical Cancer Vaccination Drive Falters Amid Parental Concerns

The recent cervical cancer vaccination campaign in Rawalpindi failed to meet its goals. The 14-day drive aimed to vaccinate girls aged nine to 14 in public and private schools. However, widespread parental refusal derailed the effort, forcing officials to plan a relaunch.
Many parents opposed the vaccine due to misconceptions and lack of awareness. In several private schools, vaccination teams were denied entry altogether. Parents in government schools even warned teachers and principals not to vaccinate their daughters without permission. Fear and mistrust replaced cooperation, leading to a major setback for health authorities.

Data discrepancies and public mistrust

In a desperate move to meet targets, some teams exaggerated their reports. When checked against education department data, the numbers proved false. Officials acknowledged that the attempt to convince parents had failed. The government has now approved another round of the campaign. This time, the health, education, and district administrations will work together to build trust and raise awareness.
The drive performed poorly in private schools but achieved partial success in public institutions. Leaders of private school associations blamed the failure on poor planning. They said the government launched the campaign without preparing parents or communities.

Awareness is key to protection:

Experts believe that awareness can bridge the trust gap. Surveys show that 54 percent of Pakistani women know about the HPV vaccine, yet few take action. Doctors largely support vaccination but rarely recommend it. Advocates urge public figures to lead by example and promote vaccination openly. The HPV vaccine protects against a major cause of cervical cancer — a step toward a healthier, safer future for Pakistan’s daughters.