There have been some diseases in human history that have raised questions about the existence of the human race. Cancer is still the most terrifying of them. But science has given man the message that even in the dark, a lamp can be lit.
One of these lights is the HPV vaccine (Human Papillomavirus Vaccine), which can be called "Human Papillomavirus Protective Medicine" in Urdu. This vaccine is a great achievement in today's scientific world for protecting the lives and health of women, especially.
Global research and innovation
The HPV vaccine was first developed in the 1990s when Australian scientist Professor Ian Frazer and his colleague Jian Zhou developed virus-like particles. These particles do not spread the disease but prepare the body for an immune response. It was first introduced in the US in 2006 as Gardasil, followed by more effective versions such as Cervarix and Gardasil 9.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the vaccine prevents about 70% to 90% of cervical cancer cases in women. In countries such as Australia, the UK and Norway, this vaccination program has been so successful that the rate of cervical cancer among young people has been reduced by more than half.
Need in Pakistan
In Pakistan, about 5,000 women suffer from cervical cancer every year, while the mortality rate is close to 60%, because the disease is usually diagnosed late. This disease is not limited to women alone, but also affects the survival of the family, the upbringing of children and the moral structure of society. In such a situation, the use of the HPV vaccine seems inevitable.
Furthermore, global research has proven that HPV is not only a threat to women but also to men. The virus can cause cancer of the mouth, throat and genitals in men. Significant protection against it has also been seen in men after vaccination in the United States and Europe.
Social and religious barriers
There are several obstacles to the promotion of this vaccine in Pakistan.
Some quarters call it a Western conspiracy and oppose it on religious grounds.
There is also a fear among parents that this vaccine will promote sexual freedom among the youth.
Due to ignorance and lack of knowledge, it is often considered unnecessary or unsafe.
The position of Islamic countries and scholars
Some Islamic countries have not only implemented HPV vaccination programs, but scholars have also declared it permissible under Islamic law. For example, in Malaysia, in 2010, the Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) issued an official fatwa stating that HPV vaccination is "permissible" to prevent cervical cancer if the vaccine does not contain any questionable ingredients and is not harmful.
Similarly, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) included the HPV vaccine in its national immunization program in 2018, and its National Immunization Technical Advisory Group supported it at the government level.
Furthermore, public attitudes and research in the Saudi Arabian province of Jazan showed that medical and religious arguments made the use of vaccines acceptable, despite religious concerns.
These examples are proof that the protection of human life is a top priority in Islam, and when a medicine is a means of saving life, its use can be considered not only permissible but almost obligatory.
The HPV vaccine is not just a medical invention and necessity for Pakistani society today, but also a guarantee of women's lives and social survival. If the government includes it in regular programs like other means of national immunization, thousands of lives can be saved every year. For this, it is necessary to remove social and religious misconceptions by taking into account data, research and global experiences.
Note= This Contact Copy Express News
Note = This Contact Copy Express News
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