LAHORE: After widespread reaction and public resistance against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine which is being administered to the school girls across the province, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has come forward endorsing the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine saying girls in his own family have received the vaccine.
In a statement to the media issued on Wednesday, the minister stated that the HPV vaccine was completely safe and reliable, comparable in effectiveness to the polio vaccine, and poses no risk to any child.
Nonetheless, the widespread public outcry and concerns over the HPV vaccine highlighted the School Education Department (SED) Punjab’s lack of preparation ahead of the vaccination campaign in schools across the province, leading to confusion and worry among parents.
Instead of launching a proper awareness drive before the campaign was launched, the department limited its role to issuing administrative instructions to district education authorities.
The SED official notification dated September 14, marked “Most Important,” directs education officials to ensure implementation and obtain written parental consent before administering the vaccine. However, no prior effort was made to inform or educate families about the vaccine’s safety, purpose, or global endorsement. As a result, misinformation spread rapidly, especially on social media, leading to hesitation and resistance among most of the parents. It is important to note that the campaign commenced on September 15 and will continue until 27th of this month, for the first time in Pakistan, targeting girls aged 9 to 14 across all public and private schools in the province.
The Schools Department took a reactive rather than proactive approach issuing administrative instructions to district education authorities without first engaging the public meaningfully.
This lack of planning has triggered widespread reaction. Mainstream media and social platforms are flooded with concerns by the parents, reports of misinformation, fears, and questions about the HPV vaccine.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) strongly endorses the HPV vaccine as one of the most effective tools to prevent cervical cancer.
Addressing concerns circulating on social media, the minister dismissed all rumours about the vaccine as baseless and misleading.
He emphasised that cervical cancer was a growing public health challenge not only in Pakistan but globally, and early prevention was essential. Sharing his personal experience, he said that girls in his own family have received the vaccine, and he encouraged parents to trust medical guidance and protect their children’s future. While these statements may help restore confidence, many believe they came too late. Had school authorities coordinated and launched a proper awareness campaign before the rollout, much of the resistance could have been avoided. The reactive approach has not only delayed trust but also made a critical public health initiative harder to implement.
Parents have also urged Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to take strict notice of the indifferent and reactive approach shown by SED Punjab officials responsible for the vaccination campaign.
They believe that as a woman and a mother, the chief minister would understand the importance of building trust before launching such sensitive health initiatives. Families are calling for accountability, saying that the lack of planning and public awareness has not only caused confusion but also undermined a campaign meant to protect young girls from a serious disease.
The News could not reach Khalid Nazir Wattoo, Secretary SED Punjab, despite repeated attempts on his cellphone. He did not bother to reply to a WhatsApp message sent in this regard.