Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences dean Professor Dr Mogana S Rajagopal (right) presents guest speaker Prof Dr Mohamad Nasir Shafiee a Certificate Of Appreciation at the HPV Awareness Campaign 2025.

KUALA LUMPUR: Despite causing over 600,000 cases of cervical and vulva cancer each year, HPV is a silent killer that is often overlooked.

Public awareness of HPV remains alarmingly low and this is a huge concern as infection rates rise, particularly amongst those in the 18-24 age bracket.

And things must change as HPV, particularly high-risk types like HPV 16 and 18, are responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancers - a disease that claims a woman’s life every two minutes.

“People must take HPV seriously as it can ultimately lead to death,” said gynaecologic oncologist Prof Dr Mohamad Nasir Shafiee at UCSI University’s HPV Awareness Campaign 2025.

“Vaccination is an important preventive step to take, even though it does not guarantee complete protection. It is important for all citizens to receive the vaccine.”

Prof Mohamad Nasir, also the deputy dean (research and innovation) of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Fcaulty of Medicine, said that HPV was a very common infection and up to 80% of the populace will acquire at least one infection in their lifetime.

He added that men have to be cautious too as statistics showed that males are more susceptible to the virus, with higher instances of infection.

Excessive growths caused by HPV could also lead to kidney failure and people who are immunocompromised had to be extra vigilant.

Organised by UCSI’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, the event was supported by the National Cancer Society, MSD, Monsta, REMDII and ONE.

Classified in the world’s top 1% in the QS World University Rankings 2025, UCSI is one of Asia’s best private universities.