Govt set to roll out vaccine drive to fight cervical cancer

The HPV Vaccination

• It is planned in three phases over three years, and aims to immunize around 8 crore children.
• It will target girls aged 9-14 to combat cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among Indian women.
• The vaccine also protects against HPV strains causing cancers of the anus, vagina, oropharynx and genital warts.
• Currently priced at Rs 2,000 per dose commercially, it will be available for free once included in the government's immunization program.

Cervical Cancer Burden in India

• India accounts for about a fifth of global cervical cancer cases, with 1.25 lakh new cases and 75,000 deaths annually.
• About 83 percent of invasive cervical cancer cases are attributed to HPV 16 or 18 in India.

Vaccination Logistics

• The immunization drive will be conducted through schools and existing vaccination points.
• Serum Institute of India's indigenously developed quadrivalent vaccine, Cervavac, will be used.

Single-Dose Regimen

• The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) recommends ICMR conduct trials on the efficacy of a single-dose regimen in the 9-15 age group.
• While HPV vaccines available globally recommend a two-dose schedule, WHO allows a single-dose regimen for public health programs.

Prelims Takeaway

• HPV Vaccine
• Cervical Cancer
• World Health Organisation (WHO)