Pakistan marked a major landmark in health sector by launching a HPV vaccination campaign against cervical cancer on 15th September. Where this campaign has been receiving mixed responses from the public, it is important to educate people about it so that they make informed decisions. But before we learn about HPV vaccine, it is even more necessary to know what cervical cancer is, it’s impact and the connection between it and HPV virus.
Cervical cancer:
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix or in any layer of the wall of cervix due to abnormal growth of cells, that can invade or spread to other parts of the body. The cervix is basically the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. This type of cancer causes hundreds and thousands of deaths annually around the world, whereas Pakistan has one of the highest cervical cancer mortality rates in South Asia. In Pakistan, an estimated 5,008 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually while 3,197 loose their life to it. These numbers make it the third most common cancer among women. Whereas, socioeconomic factors and cultural taboos make it even more difficult to talk about it, let alone work to prevent it.
HPV Vaccine:
The Papillomavirus or HPV vaccine campaign that is started by the government, aims to vaccinate 13 million girls aged 9 to 14against Papillomavirus that causes cervical cancer. The campaign started by Federal minister of Health, Mustafa Kamal, in partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, WHO and UNICEF, aims to protect adolescent girls from cervical cancer in later stages of their lives. The aim of this campaign is to vaccinate atleast 90% of 13 million eligible girls in Punjab, Sindh, Pakistan Administered Kashmir and Islamabad Capital Territory. The vaccine is free for all eligible girls and the campaign is being conducted at fixed centers, outreachs and schools. The Chief Country Delivery Officer at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Thabani Maphosa, said:
‘A single dose of the HPV vaccine can prevent most cases of the cervical cancer. Yet every two minutes, a woman loses her life to this disease, including thousands in Pakistan each year.’
History:
When one hears about this vaccine, he/she wonders if it has been used previously anywhere in the world or is Pakistan the first one to do so?The answer to it is, Pakistan has joined the list of 150 countries around the globe who are using this vaccine against cervical cancer. Over 60 million girls across the world have been vacinated against HPV with Gavi support till date. This vaccine has been availiable since 2006 in the US and has been proven to be safe and effective in countless studies. It is estimated that HPV vaccines prevent 70% of cervical cancer, 80% of anal cancer, 60% of vaginal cancer, 40% of vulvar cancerand shows more than 90% effectiveness in preventing HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer. This vaccine provides protection for atleast 5 to 10 years whereas WHO has recommended HPV vaccine as part of routine vaccination in all countries. This started in 1983, when Harold Zur Hausen culminated decades of research with the discovery that certain varriants of human Papillomavirus(HPV) could be found in majority of tested cervical cancer specimens. This provided strong scientific evidence for a link between the viral infection and cervical cancer. Later, Harald Zur Hausen was awarded half of the 1.4 million $ Noble Prize in Medicine in 2008 for his work.
Public response and speculations:
The campaign has been recieving mixed responses from the public. Where some welcomed this landmark, many opposed it, raising alot of questions and speculations about the vaccine, some believe that the vaccine may cause infertility in young girls, or that a foreign enemy might have hatched a conspiracy to harm innocent lives by mixing toxic chemicals in the HPV vaccines, or that it is new and being introduced on trial basis in Pakistan or that it may have long term side effects. Some people questioned it’s effectiveness, some asked why it was only for girls aged 9 to 14 and some even doubted the intention behind the vaccine being free. The common rumors, speculations, misinformation and lack of information are major barriers in the effectiveness of this campaign.
The truth:
It is important to educate, raise awareness and inform people on every level and platform to achieve the goal for this campaign.
- The reason for the campaign targetting only girls aged 9 to 14 is that, during this age girls go through harmonal development which is why there is better absorption of the vaccine at this time. Secondly, to protect them from the virus before they become sexually active and young. Lastly, young individuals also tend to mount a stronger immune response to vaccines, which can lead to better protection against HPV.
- The campaign is free to educate, inform, aware and encourage people and to maximize the reach and uptake of the vaccine.
- To those asking if it is a free trial, no it is not as Pakistan has been added to the list of those 120 countries, who are using the HPV vaccines.
- Studies have found no link between the vaccine and infertility in women and has been recommended by WHO as a part of routine vaccination in all countries.
These rumors need to be cleared by the government on every possible platform and at the same time, public should learn about the vaccine and consult reputable sources or healthcare professionals before making a decision.
Sideeffects:
Ever vaccine shows some minor side effects in the body.
- The HPV vaccine can cause pain, redness and swelling in the arm where the shot is given.
- Slight fever
- Headache or feeling tired
- Nausea
- Muscle and joint pain
- Slight itching or rash
These side effects usually pass within a couple of days while many people get no side effects at all. Severe allergic reactions after the HPV vaccine are rare but can be life threathning. If you experience hives, face and throat swelling, difficulty in breathing, fast heartbeat, dizziness or weakness, immediately consult a doctor.
Promotion strategies:
- Educate and aware:
Government should actively educate people about the vaccine from schools to offices, on every media platform and workplaces. They should aware parents, teachers and community leaders about the importance of this vaccine.
2. Mobile vaccination teams:
To make the campaign effective and reach the maximum percentage of the goal, mobile teams should be actively provided to cities.
3. Community engagement:
Government shouldengage influencers, actors, welfare organizations, doctors, religious leaders to dis pel myths and promote the vaccine.
4. Utilizing media:
We need to understand the impact of media, whether it is print, electronic or social and it’s power in todays world. Active promotion on media can be a game changer in raising awareness.
Conclusion:
The HPV vaccine is a milestone in health sector of Pakistan that could prevent millions of girls from cervical cancer that claims thousands of lives every year. With unity and raising awareness, we can not only dispel myths but reduce large rate of cervical cancer cases. By educating communities, engaging influencers, and ensuring widespread access to the vaccine, we can empower a generation of young girls to live healthier lives. Lets don’t myths hold us back like they did with polio.
