In Context of Cervical Cancer
Cervical Cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in India, with 1.27
lakh cases and around 80,000 deaths being reported annually.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a primary culprit in the development of cervical cancer. HPV
vaccinations emerged as a cornerstone of a comprehensive strategy for disease prevention
and health promotion.
Steps to Prevent This Disease
World Health Organization has outlined the ‘90-70-90’ targets by 2030 – for 90% of girls to
be fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15, for 70% of women to undergo
cervical cancer screening tests by the age of 35, and 45, and for 90% of women with cervical
cancer to be treated. These targets represent milestones in the Global effort to eradicate
cervical cancer and highlight the pivotal role of India’s call for HPV vaccination in achieving
this goal.
World’s Position in Cervical Cancer Cases
Over 100 countries have implemented HPV vaccination programs, resulting in a notable
decline in the incidence of cervical cancer. Australia, which initiated HPV vaccination for girls
in 2007 and expanded to include boys in 2013, is poised to eliminate cervical cancer by
2035. Ongoing program assessments and research in Thimphu have observed a reduction
in the prevalence of HPV types targeted by the vaccine, indicating the program’s broader
impact on reducing HPV transmission in the community.
India’s Move Towards Cervical Cancer
India’s interim Union Budget 2024-25 has encouraged the vaccination of girls (from 9 to 14
years) against cervical cancer and stands out as a pivotal move towards safeguarding
women’s well-being.
Within India, Sikkim’s exemplary approach to HPV vaccination is an example of an effective
public health strategy. Through targeted efforts to educate teachers, parents, girls,
healthcare workers, and the media about the benefits of the HPV vaccine, Sikkim achieved
vaccination coverage of 97% during its campaign rollout in 2018.
India’s recent milestone in developing its indigenous quadrivalent vaccine Cervavac which is
developed by the Serum Institute of India in collaboration with the Department of
Biotechnology, and priced at ₹2000 a dose, Cervavac is cheaper than available vaccines
and holds promise in the fight against HPV infections and cervical cancer.
