Pakistan Vaccine Controversy: What is the HPV vaccine that has caused a stir in Pakistan? What is India's stance on this?

Human Papillomavirus: Introducing a vaccine or anything else in a country like Pakistan is a difficult task. Currently, there is considerable controversy surrounding the HPV vaccine in Pakistan.

HPV Vaccine: This month, Pakistan included the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in its national vaccination plan. Rumors quickly spread on social media, claiming that girls were falling ill and that the vaccine could cause infertility. However, health officials and international agencies have dismissed these claims as completely false. They say common side effects of the vaccine are mild and temporary, such as arm pain, mild fever, or fatigue. No scientific evidence proves that the HPV vaccine causes infertility.

 

Pakistan's Health Minister, Mustafa Kamal, said, "Pakistan is the 151st country in the world to administer this vaccine. Previously, this vaccine has been used in 150 countries, including almost all Muslim countries." Pakistan introduced the HPV vaccine in September, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Gavi Vaccine Alliance. The first phase of this vaccination targets girls aged 9 to 14, with plans to expand coverage in the coming years.

 

What is the situation in Pakistan?

Two main opposition strategies are seen in Pakistan: Whataboutism and cherry-picking. Whataboutism involves people citing other diseases rather than the benefits of vaccines, such as "Wasn't the polio vaccine controversial?" or "Breast cancer is more common." Cherry-picking involves targeting a vaccine by highlighting a few incidents, while ignoring evidence of its safety in millions of people.

 

According to a report, cervical cancer kills 3,000 women each year in Pakistan. Questions are being raised on social media about whether it's necessary to prevent so many deaths, given that other diseases kill more people. Treatment in countries like Pakistan is expensive and difficult, and social stigma often delays women's treatment.

 

What is the trend in India?

The HPV vaccine response in India is positive. Many states have introduced it to girls in schools and government health centers. The Indian government and partner organizations have taken steps to ensure awareness campaigns and a safe rollout. The HPV vaccine is not just a vaccine; it is an opportunity to protect girls and women. In both Pakistan and India, this demonstrates that supply alone is not enough; trust and awareness are also essential. Providing parents with accurate information, addressing myths, and demonstrating evidence of safety are crucial.