Punjab’s Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has strongly defended the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, calling it “100% safe, effective, and scientifically proven” for the prevention of cervical cancer. “As Education Minister and as a responsible citizen, I guarantee the absolute safety of this vaccine. I have ensured my own family’s daughters received it,” said Rana Sikandar, urging parents to trust science and protect their daughters.

 The minister dismissed all rumours as “baseless and misleading”, stressing that the vaccine is as trustworthy as the polio vaccine, which has saved millions of lives worldwide.  He appealed to parents,  “Cervical cancer is a growing social challenge. This vaccine poses no danger whatsoever. Please ensure your daughters are vaccinated against HPV.”  The HPV vaccine, first introduced in 2006, is prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and has been used in over 150 countries, including many Muslim nations.

It is recognized as one of the most effective tools against cervical cancer, which is caused in 70% of cases by HPV types 16 and 18. Currently, six HPV vaccines are licensed worldwide (bivalent, quadrivalent, and nonavalent), all of which have excellent safety records.  The vaccine not only prevents cervical cancer but also reduces the risk of other HPV-related cancers (anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile, and throat cancers) and provides near-complete protection against genital warts. 

The WHO recommends vaccinating girls aged 9–14 before they become sexually active, aiming to reach 90% coverage by age 15 globally. Cervical cancer kills disproportionately in low- and middle-income countries, accounting for nearly 90% of related deaths. WHO considers HPV vaccination the most cost-effective public health measure to prevent this deadly yet preventable disease. Pakistan is among the countries where awareness drives are crucial, as misinformation often prevents families from accepting life-saving vaccines

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)