"When Pakistan launched its first nationwide HPV vaccination campaign in September, health officials hailed it as a major milestone in the country's fight against cervical cancer. Targeting girls aged 9 to 14, the program aligns with the World Health Organization's global goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030. Yet, as with many vaccine rollouts, the campaign was quickly followed by a wave of misinformation."
"Claim: The HPV vaccine is dangerous and unproven. A widely shared TikTok video features a man saying: "The problem is that the HPV vaccine can be causing serious adverse reactions." The clip then cuts to an AI-generated news anchor who claims: "An American doctor has raised concerns about giving HPV vaccine to young girls," and falsely asserts that vaccines have never prevented a single case of cervical cancer."
"False The video originates from an unverified Instagram account that regularly publishes AI-generated clips spreading baseless claims without citing credible sources. DW was unable to verify the identity of the so-called doctor featured. Extensive research by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and Germany's Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) contradict these claims. Studies involving children and adults have found no severe side effects linked to the HPV vaccine."
Pakistan launched its first nationwide HPV vaccination campaign in September targeting girls aged 9 to 14 and aligning with the World Health Organization's goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030. Conspiracy theories, political rhetoric, and viral social media posts have cast doubt on the vaccine's safety and reduced participation in some communities. AI-generated videos and unverified accounts have spread claims that the HPV vaccine is dangerous, unproven, or ineffective at preventing cervical cancer. Independent research from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and Germany's STIKO finds no severe side effects linked to the vaccine. A 2024 study of nearly 3.5 million people confirmed significant reductions in HPV infections and precancerous lesions.
Read at www.dw.com
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