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.
The minister said he had personally ensured that his own family’s daughters received the vaccine. “As Education Minister and as a responsible citizen, I guarantee the absolute safety of this vaccine. Parents should trust science and protect their daughters,” he stressed.
Dismissing rumours as “baseless and misleading”, Rana Sikandar compared the HPV vaccine to the polio vaccine, which has saved millions of lives. He urged parents to act responsibly, warning that cervical cancer is a growing public health challenge.
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The HPV vaccine has global recognition and is prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO). Since its introduction in 2006, it has been used in over 150 countries, including many Muslim nations, with proven safety records.
Medical experts highlight that HPV types 16 and 18 cause around 70% of cervical cancer cases. The vaccine not only prevents cervical cancer but also lowers the risk of other HPV-related cancers, including throat and genital cancers, while offering strong protection against genital warts.
The WHO recommends vaccinating girls between ages 9 and 14 before sexual activity begins, with a target to reach 90% global coverage by age 15.