The woman spoke to CNN on condition of anonymity, fearing ostracization from her community where the subject of sexually transmitted infections remains taboo.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer among women globally, says WHO, and in 2020 it killed some 342,000 women globally.
The ministry has also advised women to take the HPV vaccine.
The HPV vaccine costs between 800 EGP ($25.9) to 1,000 EGP ($32) per dose.
Other Middle Eastern countries have added the HPV vaccine to their national immunization programs, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Libya.
Persons:
CNN —, ”, ostracization, Lobna Darwish, Egypt’s, they’ve, “, Ola Arafa, Rafik Barakat, Arafa, ” Arafa, Barakat, ” Darwish, Nisreen Salah Omar
Organizations:
CNN, World Health Organization, WHO, World Bank, Egyptian, Personal Rights, Manchester, University of Mansoura, United Arab, Representatives, Mansoura University
Locations:
Egypt, Cairo, Mansoura, ”, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Libya