Karachi: At a time when misconceptions about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine are at their peak across Pakistan and very few parents are choosing to immunize their daughters, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has set a powerful example by publicly getting his daughter vaccinated against HPV.
Calling vaccination the most effective way to protect young girls from cervical cancer, the mayor urged parents to put aside fear and misinformation and ensure their children are protected.
“Vaccination is the only effective solution against deadly diseases like cancer. I appeal to the nation to get their children vaccinated without fear or hesitation and make sure the lives of their loved ones are safe,” Wahab said.
His decision comes at a time when health experts are deeply concerned about Pakistan’s alarmingly low HPV vaccination coverage. Despite cervical cancer claiming thousands of lives every year, most parents are reluctant to vaccinate their daughters due to myths, lack of awareness, and religious misconceptions.
Mayor Wahab is not alone in taking this bold step. Earlier this year, Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, renowned pediatrician Prof. Dr. Khalid Shafi, and Islamabad District Health Officer Dr. Rashida Batool all publicly got their daughters vaccinated against HPV, hoping to build public trust and encourage more families to follow suit.
Pakistan has one of the highest burdens of cervical cancer in the region, with an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 women dying annually. Globally, the HPV vaccine has been proven safe and effective in preventing the virus that causes most cases of cervical cancer. The World Health Organization recommends vaccinating girls between the ages of 9 and 14 as the most effective preventive measure.
Yet coverage in Pakistan remains dismally low. As reported earlier, less than 2 percent of eligible girls in pilot districts have been vaccinated, mainly due to misinformation and lack of outreach. Public health experts warn that unless the government and civil society act urgently to expand awareness and access, Pakistan will continue to lose thousands of preventable lives every year.
By vaccinating his daughter, Barrister Murtaza Wahab has sent what many experts see as a “practical counter-narrative” against propaganda. His action underscores the message that leaders, doctors, and parents must lead by example if the stigma and hesitancy around HPV vaccination are to be overcome.
“Let us save lives by making the right choice. Vaccination is not just an option, it is an obligation to protect our future generations,” Wahab said in his appeal.
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