In the heart of South Asia, where cultural taboos and misinformation often cloud the path to public health, two neighboring countries—India and Pakistan—are making significant strides in the fight against cervical cancer. Their efforts, while distinct, are united by a common thread: the urgent need to dispel myths surrounding the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and to protect future generations from a preventable disease.
On September 20, 2025, Pakistan’s health minister, Mustafa Kamal, took a bold and personal step to combat vaccine skepticism. In a move broadcast live on national television, Kamal had his own daughter vaccinated against cervical cancer. The gesture was more than symbolic; it was a direct response to a wave of social media rumors claiming that the HPV vaccine causes serious side effects and even infertility. As Kamal explained at a press conference, “Since the start of this vaccination, there has been negative and misleading propaganda. Today I thought that no Pakistani mother, sister or daughter should refuse this vaccine because of false propaganda and then lose her life as a result.” According to coverage by Dawn, Kamal acknowledged the difficulty of putting his family in the spotlight, but emphasized the importance of prevention over fear.
Pakistan’s rollout of the HPV vaccine began in September 2025, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Gavi vaccine alliance. The first phase targets girls aged 9 to 14 in selected districts, and authorities plan to expand coverage in the coming years. The country became the 151st in the world to offer the HPV vaccine, joining nearly every Muslim-majority nation among the 150 that preceded it. The urgency is clear: cervical cancer remains one of the leading cancers among women in Pakistan. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, an estimated 4,762 new cases of cervical cancer were recorded in Pakistan in 2023, resulting in approximately 3,069 deaths.
The science behind the vaccine is robust and widely endorsed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the WHO both assert that the HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection by high-risk types of HPV, which are responsible for most cases of cervical cancer. Vaccination before exposure—ideally before the onset of sexual activity—can prevent the majority of cases, a point stressed by both international and local health officials. The WHO has recommended the jab for adolescent girls since 2006, and the available evidence shows that typical side effects are mild and temporary, such as soreness in the arm or a brief fever. There is no scientific evidence linking the vaccine to infertility, despite persistent rumors to the contrary.
On the other side of the border, India is also waging its own battle against cervical cancer and the myths that surround it. As reported by The Times of India, misconceptions about cervical cancer—such as the belief that it is invariably fatal, contagious through casual contact, or that HPV infection is lifelong—continue to create barriers to prevention and treatment. Dr. Vandana Jain, Senior Consultant and Head of Department for Gynecologic Oncology at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, argues that breaking these myths is essential for encouraging women to seek early detection through PAP tests and to access the HPV vaccine.
India’s strategy aligns closely with global recommendations. The government is targeting girls aged 9 to 14 for vaccination, aiming to immunize them before any potential exposure to high-risk HPV types. In a bid to ensure equity, the vaccine will be provided free of charge to eligible candidates through the national immunization program, extending protection to marginalized communities that might otherwise be left behind. Notably, adults aged 26 to 45 are also encouraged to get vaccinated, as the shot may still offer protection against HPV strains they have not yet encountered.
The currently available nonavalent vaccines, according to Dr. Jain, protect against seven high-risk HPV strains and two low-risk strains, providing approximately 70% to 80% protection against cervical cancer. "HPV Vaccine is highly effective in preventing HPV infection and HPV related cancers like cervical cancer, penile cancer, anal cancer and head & neck cancer," she explains. However, she cautions that screening should continue even for those who have been vaccinated, since the vaccine does not cover all possible cancer-causing strains.
Safety concerns are often at the heart of vaccine hesitancy, but the data is reassuring. Like any vaccination, the HPV shot may cause mild side effects such as soreness, swelling, headache, tiredness, nausea, rare allergic reactions, muscle or joint pain, dizziness, and fever. "The HPV vaccine is safe. Like any vaccination, you may feel mild side effects shortly after receiving the injection. Your provider will check on you before you go home to make sure you are fine. There are no long-term side effects," Dr. Jain reassures.
Both India and Pakistan face formidable challenges in their quest to protect women from cervical cancer. Deep-seated myths, cultural taboos, and misinformation—often amplified by social media—threaten to undermine public health efforts. Yet, the stakes could hardly be higher. Cervical cancer is not only a leading cause of death among women in both countries, but it is also largely preventable with timely vaccination and regular screening.
Education campaigns are at the forefront of this battle. In India, mass education initiatives aim to promote accurate information and break the silence around cervical cancer. As Dr. Jain notes, such programs are vital for encouraging women to take their health seriously and for ensuring that every eligible girl receives the life-saving vaccine. In Pakistan, the health minister’s public vaccination of his daughter is part of a broader strategy to reassure parents and counteract the negative impact of false rumors.
The broader implications are profound. By reducing the burden of cervical cancer, both countries are making strides toward gender equality and women’s empowerment. As Dr. Jain puts it, "With ongoing awareness, partnership in prevention, and mass education and awareness, the HPV vaccine really can be fundamental to women's health by providing protection, prevention, and empowerment." The government’s commitment, the involvement of healthcare providers, and the support of international organizations all play a crucial role in sustaining this momentum.
There is still much work to be done. Expanding vaccine coverage, continuing education efforts, and ensuring access for marginalized communities will require sustained cooperation between governments, healthcare workers, educators, and communities. But the message is clear: with the right information and the will to act, cervical cancer can be prevented—and countless lives can be saved.