Centre yet to take a call on beginning HPV vaccination campaign for girls

Key Highlights

Background and Recommendations:

• In June 2022, the NTAGI suggested including the HPV vaccine in the universal immunization programme after evaluating evidence on cervical cancer burden and vaccine effectiveness.
• The proposed plan involves a one-time catch-up shot for girls aged nine to 14, followed by routine vaccination for others at the age of nine.

Past Setbacks and Vaccine Trials:

• Over a decade ago, the HPV vaccine faced backlash in India due to reported deaths during vaccine trials conducted by the Programme for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH) in collaboration with the government.
• The parliamentary committee termed the situation "intriguing and fishy" and raised concerns about potential commercial exploitation.

Global and Indian Cervical Cancer Burden:

• Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally and the second most common in Indian women. India contributes significantly to the global cervical cancer burden.

Potential for Prevention:

• Experts emphasize the efficacy of HPV vaccination, citing its potential to prevent over 90% of HPV-attributable cancers.
• Trials conducted in India and abroad indicate an 81% reduced risk of HPV-associated cancer in vaccinated women.

Pending Decision and Way Forward:

• The Health Ministry is yet to decide on initiating the vaccination campaign, despite the potential benefits in preventing cervical cancer.

Prelims takeaway

• Cervical cancer
• HPV vaccine