[REVISION HISTORY]

Global HPV risks and vaccination efforts

1 recorded revision of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-29 15:02 UTC → 2026-11-01 12:14 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Health authorities and medical experts are emphasizing the importance of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination as a primary tool for preventing various cancers, including cervical, anal, and head and neck cancers. In Pakistan, the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) is actively promoting vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 to provide effective protection before potential virus exposure. Officials noted that while the disease is largely preventable, limited awareness and healthcare barriers remain challenges to access. In North America, data indicates widespread infection rates, with an estimated 79 million people affected in the United States. In Canada, 2023 recorded 1,550 new cervical cancer cases and 400 related deaths, with nearly two-thirds of HPV-related cancers being non-cervical. Medical guidelines in these regions recommend vaccination in late childhood or early adolescence, often utilizing the Gardasil 9 vaccine to target high-risk strains like HPV-16 and HPV-18. In Pakistan, the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) has transitioned into a national HPV vaccination campaign led by the Federal Directorate for Immunization (FDI). This initiative is being conducted in collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO). The program provides the vaccine free of cost through schools, designated vaccination centers, and mobile outreach teams to protect girls aged 9 to 14. Officials state that vaccination before virus exposure offers the strongest protection and should be complemented by regular medical screening and public awareness to reduce the future burden of cervical cancer.

Versions

Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.