Doha: The Gulf Health Council (GHC) has issued an awareness guide as part of the "It's on You" campaign, with the aim of raising awareness on the importance of vaccination in preventing cancers associated with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
According to Qatar News Agency, the guide represents one of the key awareness tools supporting this campaign, directed to parents, adolescents, adults, those preparing for marriage, as well as teachers, healthcare practitioners, and members of the Gulf community at large.
It provides essential information that helps lay the foundation for well-informed health decisions, shining a spotlight on the nature of the virus, illustrating the significance of early vaccination. It emphasizes that the vaccination is safe and effective, as proved by scientific studies and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The guide primarily addresses awareness about the fact that the virus can remain for years without exhibiting symptoms, something that increases the risk of being infected with several types of associated cancers that affect both genders, in addition to the safe and effective results the vaccine has achieved following the administration of millions of doses worldwide.
In addition, the guide includes targeted awareness sections and practical tips to initiate family dialogue on the importance of vaccination, as well as guidance for members of the Gulf community.
In essence, GHC suggests that the guide is a complementary step in the track of this campaign, aiming to enhance community understanding of the HPV vaccine and to streamline access to accurate information that supports well-informed health decisions contributing to the prevention of cancers associated with the virus, thereby reflecting the GHC's undertaking to bolster preventive measures against diseases, particularly cancers, through preemptive steps starting from awareness and ending with prevention.