ABUJA, Nigeria – Claims made by Ahmed Isah, the host of the Brekete family radio programme, stating that the Human Papillomavirus, HPV, vaccine is harmful and designed for depopulation, have been thoroughly investigated and found to be without merit, according to a recent fact-check by PRNigeria.
During a broadcast of his widely-listened-to Brekete family program on the Human Rights Radio Station in Abuja, Isah, also known as the ‘Ordinary President’, presented the narrative that the HPV vaccine poses a threat to girls’ health and is part of a scheme to reduce Nigeria’s population.
The remarks sparked immediate concern and warranted a closer examination by fact-checkers.
The PRNigeria team traced the origin of the video clip to the Brekete Family radio station and proceeded with a fact-checking process.
This involved keyword searches and an analysis of international health data, particularly concerning cervical cancer and the deployment of the HPV vaccine globally. Their findings, published on Thursday, November 2, 2023, were revealing.
A report on the global cancer burden highlighted China’s struggle with cervical cancer, with the country recording some of the highest incidence and mortality rates globally.
Moreover, there was evidence of an increase in head and neck cancers linked to high-risk HPV types, predominantly HPV-16.
A significant milestone was noted with the approval of Cecolin™, the first domestically manufactured HPV vaccine in China, in December 2019, subsequently receiving prequalification by the World Health Organization (WHO) in October 2021.
China’s strides have positioned it as one of the few nations with the capacity to produce HPV vaccines.
The UK’s stance on HPV vaccination, as per the National Health Service (NHS), was also cited.
The NHS actively recommends and provides the HPV vaccine to children around the age of 12 or 13, with catch-up programs for under-25 females who missed earlier vaccination.
Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US endorses the HPV vaccine for routine vaccination around ages 11 or 12, emphasizing its significance in preventing future HPV-related cancers.
Adding to the global perspective, a report from the Saudi Gazette stated that the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia underlines the importance of administering the HPV vaccine to girls at an early stage to protect them from cervical cancer.
Contrary to the claims made by Isah, the UN report on the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine underscores its global reach and established presence in numerous countries, including the US, Australia, and most of Europe, debunking the notion that it’s a pilot or experimental program in Nigeria.
The consensus among medical experts, academic journals, and organizations like the WHO affirms the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness in preventing HPV-related infections and cancers, challenging the unsubstantiated claims of its alleged harm and links to depopulation.
This comprehensive fact-check not only refutes the misleading statements made on the Brekete family radio program but also reinforces the global scientific community’s support for the HPV vaccine as a preventive measure against cervical cancer.
