India Launches Indigenous HPV Test Kits for Cervical Cancer Screening
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Issue | Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women, contributing significantly to global mortality. Early diagnosis is crucial for survival. |
| Major Development | Indigenously developed HPV test kits launched on April 23, 2025, to revolutionize cervical cancer screening in India. |
| Key Features | - Targets 7-8 most common cancer-causing HPV types.- Cost-effective and efficient compared to traditional methods like Pap smears.- Uses RTPCR-based technology. |
| Development | Led by AIIMS, Delhi, supported by NICPR, Noida, and NIRRCH, Mumbai. Funded by DBT and BIRAC under the Grand Challenges India programme. |
| Advantages | - Improved diagnostic accuracy.- Leverages post-COVID RTPCR infrastructure.- Aligns with WHO recommendations for cervical cancer elimination. |
| Current Challenges | - Late diagnosis.- Limited accessibility to screening.- Need for national screening programs. |
| Collaborators | WHO and its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) contributed to validation and research. |