UAE | Health
Abu Dhabi to vaccinate girls against cancer
Abu Dhabi will provide a controversial cervical cancer vaccine to teenage girls under its vaccination programme within months, says a women's health official in the emirate.
- By Nina Muslim, Staff Reporter
- Published: 20:57 February 4, 2008
Dubai: Abu Dhabi will provide a controversial cervical cancer vaccine to teenage girls under its vaccination programme within months, says a women's health official in the emirate.
According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer kills about 300,000 women worldwide annually and is caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a common sexually-transmitted disease that also causes genital warts.
The issue of vaccination against the cancer has proven controversial in many countries, with opponents claiming it encourages promiscuity.
Dr David Saxton, medical director of Corniche Hospital under the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HA-AD), told delegates at the International Union against Sexually-Transmitted Infections (IUSTI) Congress that the health authority has approved vaccination for all 17-year old girls in Abu Dhabi.
"We have just got HA-AD to agree to vaccinate girls in the emirate (against cervical cancer). It's a good start," he said, adding the authorities have not decided on a roll-out date.
He later told Gulf News the vaccination committee decided the age of 17 was the most appropriate culturally and socially. Cervical cancer vaccine has to be administered prior to sexual activity to ensure maximum protection.
Sensitivities
"We want to catch them before they start any sexual activity but we must also allow for the sensitivities. We will also suggest women [who marry before they turn 17] to get the vaccine," he said.
He added women over the age of 17 could also get the vaccine under the programme when they marry.
Acknowledging the moral dilemma surrounding the issue, Dr Saxton said the health authority would also provide counselling on family values. Vaccination under the programme will be free but optional to all.
Dr Sa'ad Gazal Aswad, chair of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Ob-Gyn) Department at Tawam Hospital under HA-AD, told Gulf News the UAE needed to vaccinate its girls against cervical cancer as the cancer was becoming more common.
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