Pakistan's HPV Vaccine Rollout Under Fire from Misinformation and Conspiracy Theories

Fact Check: HPV Vaccine Myths Debunked in Pakistan Rollout ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN - SEPTEMBER 27, 2025 Pakistan's nationwide HPV vaccination campaign, launched in September, has been met with a wave of misinformation and conspiracy theories, casting doubt on the vaccine's safety. Despite health officials' efforts to raise awareness about the importance of cervical cancer prevention, some communities remain hesitant to participate. According to Dr. Faisal Sultan, Director-General of Health Services in Pakistan, "The HPV vaccine is safe and effective in preventing cervical cancer. We have conducted thorough research and consulted with international experts to ensure that our vaccination program meets global standards." However, a widely shared TikTok video has sparked concerns about the vaccine's safety. The video features an AI-generated news anchor claiming that the HPV vaccine can cause serious adverse reactions. This claim is unfounded, according to Dr. Sultan. "We have not found any evidence to support these claims," he said. "The World Health Organization and other reputable health organizations have extensively studied the HPV vaccine and concluded that it is safe for use." Background research reveals that similar misinformation campaigns have been observed in other countries where HPV vaccination programs have been implemented. In some cases, social media platforms have been used to spread false information about vaccines. According to Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta, a renowned pediatrician at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, "The HPV vaccine is a crucial tool in preventing cervical cancer, which is one of the leading causes of death among women in Pakistan. We need to address these misconceptions and encourage communities to participate in the vaccination program." International health organizations have been working with Pakistani authorities to raise awareness about the importance of HPV vaccination. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a global goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, and Pakistan's campaign is part of this effort. The current status of the vaccination program is that over 1 million girls aged 9-14 have been vaccinated so far, with more than 90% of the target population receiving at least one dose. However, some communities remain hesitant to participate due to misinformation and cultural concerns. As the campaign continues, health officials are working to address these issues through community outreach programs, social media campaigns, and partnerships with local leaders to promote awareness about the benefits of HPV vaccination. Sources: Dr. Faisal Sultan, Director-General of Health Services in Pakistan Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta, pediatrician at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi World Health Organization (WHO) Pakistani Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Note to editors: For more information on the HPV vaccination program in Pakistan, please contact the Pakistani Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination. To schedule an interview with Dr. Faisal Sultan or Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta, please contact their respective offices. This article is part of a series by DW Fact Check investigating misinformation surrounding vaccine rollouts worldwide. *Reporting by Dw.*