“We hope that based on the expertise of zur Hausen, we will be able to learn from him on cancer prevention and build a healthier and safer environment, “ Ma was quoted as saying in a press statement released by the Presidential Office.

The president praised zur Hausen for his achievement and contribution in confirming that human papilloma virus (HPV) plays an important role in the cause of cervical cancer.

His research, which directly made possible the development of a vaccine that was introduced in 2006, has helped significantly reduce the threat posed by cervical cancer, Ma added.