HPV and Cervical Cancer: Cancer Researcher Dr. Mohamed Jemaâ Urges Vaccination for Girls

Tunisia's national vaccination campaign against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is encountering significant parental reluctance, fueled by religious and ethical misconceptions and a surge of hostile information on social media. Dr. Mohamed Jemaâ, a cancer researcher based in Sweden with ties to Tunis, is working to dispel these myths.

“

It is a cancer, yes, but it is a cancer primarily caused by a viral infection.

Dr. Jemaâ emphasizes that HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer, responsible for 95% of infections leading to the disease. He explains that cervical cancer is a slow-developing malignancy, often taking 10 to 15 years from initial infection to becoming invasive and potentially fatal. "It is a cancer, yes, but it is a cancer primarily caused by a viral infection," he stated, highlighting that it is largely preventable through vaccination.

Despite its prevalence, cervical cancer is not receiving adequate attention in Tunisia. It ranks as the third most common cancer among Tunisian women, with approximately 500 new cases and a mortality rate nearing 50% each year. Dr. Jemaâ suggests these figures may even be underestimated, stressing that "this is a cancer that kills in Tunisia!"

“

this is a cancer that kills in Tunisia!

He advocates strongly for early vaccination, particularly for girls, as a proactive measure against a virus-linked cancer that can be easily prevented. "It can be anticipated! And it can be avoided by getting vaccinated against the said HPV virus," he urged, countering claims that the vaccine poses health risks such as sterility or contains harmful substances like aluminum.

“

It can be anticipated! And it can be avoided by getting vaccinated against the said HPV virus.