Arsen Torosyan's Sharp Response to Ruling Party MP's Statement on Gardasil

The Minister of Health of Armenia, Arsen Torosyan, addressed the statement made by MP Lilit Stepanyan from the "My Step" faction during a Facebook post, where she announced her decision to refuse Gardasil vaccination for her child.

In response to MP Lilit Stepanyan's remarks in the National Assembly, I would like to inform that for at least the last year, numerous sufficient evidences regarding the importance, safety, and necessity of the HPV vaccination have been presented multiple times and will continue to be presented until the unfounded and absurd accusations against this life-saving medical intervention are silenced.

As for the issue of state responsibility for the health of its citizens, I must confess that I am surprised by such a question from an MP. Shouldn’t the moderators of various Facebook groups be concerned about the approximately 120 women who die annually?

Let me pose a question to the MP: By making anti-vaccination statements, distorting facts, and emphasizing incorrect and unacceptable points, is she not hindering our crucial preventive measure? It would be good for anyone to reflect on this question at least internally.

There is science and then there is everything else. Anyone who goes against life-saving science must be aware of the destructive consequences of their actions.

Any anti-vaccination rhetoric will receive a firm and unwavering response, regardless of political affiliations.