Published on, Sept. 27 -- September 27, 2025 11:34 AM

Pakistan has launched the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine as part of its routine immunization program, beginning its first vaccination campaign from September 15 to 27 in Punjab, Sindh, Islamabad, and AJK. The vaccine is designed to prevent HPV infections that can cause cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, and head and neck cancers.

While the move marks a major public health milestone, it has been clouded by rumors, conspiracy theories, and misinformation spread by some politicians, social media personalities, and conservative groups.

Globally, around 150 countries-including major Muslim-majority nations-already recommend the HPV vaccine. Pakistan, excluding Afghanistan, is the last...