Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal publicly had his daughter vaccinated on camera to confront a wave of misinformation about the HPV vaccine and reassure families across Pakistan about its safety.
The minister’s action came amid growing negative campaigns questioning the vaccine’s safety. Speaking to reporters he asked “If it were harmful, would we give it to our own children?” and said the on-camera vaccination was meant to send a clear message to the public.
Dr. Shama Junejo, an advocate for the vaccine, welcomed the demonstration and told media “All negative propaganda against the HPV vaccine has been shut down!” Her remarks underlined the public health rationale behind the campaign and supported the minister’s call for trust in the programme.
The minister’s visible support for the HPV vaccine, including bringing his daughter forward in front of cameras, was widely shared on social media and praised by many who said it would help restore confidence and protect more children from preventable disease. Authorities hope the gesture will counteract misinformation and encourage parents to choose immunisation for their children.
