Cervical cancer remains a significant public health challenge in Pakistan, with over 5,000 new cases and approximately 3,000 deaths reported annually.
The country has one of the highest cervical cancer mortality rates in South Asia, primarily due to delayed diagnoses. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer, with around 7.6 percent of Pakistani women infected, particularly with high-risk types 16 and 18. This heavy burden calls for urgent attention and action to mitigate the impact of the disease.
Efforts to prevent and screen for cervical cancer in Pakistan are currently limited, with HPV vaccination not yet included in the national Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), unlike in some neighbouring countries. This leaves a large section of the population without access to this crucial preventive measure. While a few private hospitals and clinics offer the HPV vaccine, it remains largely unaffordable for most women due to its high cost. Screening programmes are mainly available in urban tertiary care hospitals, with very little coverage in rural areas. The lack of trained personnel and limited awareness of simple and cost-effective screening methods, such as Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), further hampers progress in early detection and prevention.
Incorporating the HPV vaccine into the national immunisation programme would ensure wider access, particularly for girls aged 9-14 years
Several factors contribute to the high rates of cervical cancer in Pakistan. Early marriages and high fertility rates increase the risk of HPV transmission, while limited awareness about reproductive health and hygiene practices leaves women vulnerable.
Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach. Incorporating the HPV vaccine into the national immunisation programme would ensure wider access, particularly for girls aged 9-14 years. Collaborating with global health organisations, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and GAVI, could help reduce vaccine costs, making it more affordable for the general population.
Expanding screening services to rural areas and training healthcare workers in low-cost methods like Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid could significantly improve early detection rates. Integrating cervical cancer screening into existing maternal and child health services would also extend its reach to more women across the country.
Public awareness campaigns, supported by community influencers and healthcare providers, could play a crucial role in addressing cultural and social barriers, encouraging women to seek vaccination and screening. Additionally, strengthening healthcare infrastructure by establishing more oncology centres and providing incentives for healthcare professionals to work in underserved areas would further improve access to preventive care and treatment.
These combined efforts have the potential to significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Pakistan and improve health outcomes for women nationwide.
