The Gulf Health Council (GHC) has launched an awareness-raising campaign on the importance of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine as a safety framework and protection against cancers linked to the virus.

The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of early vaccination against HPV, especially targeting adolescents and those approaching marriage of both genders.

It also seeks to enhance knowledge among parents and the entire Gulf community, including teachers, healthcare practitioners, educational and health institutions, and non-profit organizations.

The GHC said HPV is one of the most common viruses and that the vaccine provides 90% protection against cancers associated with it.

The virus can remain in the body without symptoms for years, potentially leading to the development of multiple types of cancer.