In a significant move aimed at reducing the prevalence of cervical cancer, the second most common cancer in women in India, the government is preparing to launch a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for girls aged 9-14. The immunization initiative, scheduled to be implemented in three phases spanning three years, is expected to commence in the second quarter of this year, pending the availability of 6.5-7 crore doses for the first phase.
The vaccine not only provides protection against cervical cancer but also guards against HPV strains linked to cancers of the anus, vagina, and oropharynx. Additionally, it offers defense against HPV strains responsible for genital warts. Currently, the commercially available two-dose HPV vaccine costs around Rs 2,000 per dose. However, once included in the government’s immunization program, the vaccine will be accessible free of charge.
A senior official explained that one-third of girls aged 9 to 14 will be immunized each year over the three-year period. Furthermore, in states where catch-up efforts are underway, the new cohort of nine-year-old children will also receive the vaccine during this period. The government is in the process of selecting the states where the vaccination campaign will be initially rolled out.
EXPLAINED
One-fifth of global burden
INDIA ACCOUNTS for about a fifth of the world’s cervical cancer cases. With about 1.25 lakh new cases and 75,000 deaths each year, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, after breast cancer. About 83 per cent of invasive cervical cancer cases are attributed to HPV 16 or 18 in India.
The official clarified that approximately 8 crore children aged 9 to 14 years will be eligible for the vaccine nationwide. Distributing this over three years, there will be a minimum of 2.6 crore eligible children during the initial year.
In addition to these 2.6 crore children, another 50 lakh to 1 crore children who will turn nine in areas where the campaign has already been initiated will require vaccine doses during the second and third years. The vaccination campaign will be conducted through schools and existing vaccination points.
India, contributing to about a fifth of the global burden of cervical cancer, reports around 1.25 lakh cases and approximately 75,000 deaths each year.
Persistent infections with specific high-risk HPV strains account for nearly 85 per cent of all cervical cancers. Among the identified oncogenic HPV types, with the potential to cause cancer, at least 14 have been recognized. Notably, HPV types 16 and 18, considered the most oncogenic, are responsible for about 70 per cent of all cervical cancer cases globally.
