Parents are more likely to use the HPV vaccine for their children when it is promoted as a cancer preventative. Experts in the UAE said that it is less effective when marketed as simply another STI vaccine.
Amid rising efforts to prevent cervical cancer, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has set a bold goal of eradicating diseases associated with HPV Infections for the country. This goal includes a target of 90% vaccination coverage for girls under 15 years by 2030, as well as routine cervical cancer screening for women starting at 25 years.
While speaking to Khaleej Times, health professionals, young people, and parents explained how public education coupled with cultural perceptions impact the acceptance of vaccines.
Dr. Moustafa Aldaly, Consultant in Medical Oncology at International Modern Hospital, Dubai, argues that the message of the HPV vaccine plays a critical role in its administration.
“Parents are more inclined to vaccinate their children when they perceive the HPV vaccine as a means of preventing cancer, rather than simply viewing it as a vaccine for a sexually transmitted infection,” he stated. “Increased uptake can also come from school-based vaccination programs, pediatrician endorsements, and community awareness initiatives that market the vaccine as a normative aspect of adolescent healthcare.”
As the UAE advances its public health targets, this way of thinking may unlock new avenues for improving vaccination rates and saving lives through prevention in early childhood. The approach builds upon the premise that changing the discourse—out of stigma and towards health empowerment—can yield remarkable results.
