Why in News?
The Government of India is set to launch a nationwide HPV vaccination programme to prevent cervical cancer among adolescent girls.
What is HPV Vaccination?
It protects against high-risk strains of Human Papillomavirus infection (HPV) that cause most cervical cancer cases. The HPV vaccine is a recombinant vaccine that uses virus-like particles to stimulate immunity without containing a live virus.
How HPV Causes Cancer?
- HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection.
- Persistent infection with high-risk types (especially HPV 16 and 18) leads to abnormal cervical cell growth.
- Untreated pre-cancerous changes may develop into cancer over 10–15 years.
What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
- What is HPV? Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a large group of more than 200 related viruses that infect the skin and moist surfaces of the body, such as the mouth, throat, and reproductive organs. Most HPV infections do not cause symptoms and usually clear on their own within one to two years as the body’s immune system fights the virus.
- Types of HPV: HPV types are broadly divided into two groups.
- Low-risk types (such as HPV 6 and 11) mainly cause non-cancerous conditions like genital warts or common skin warts.
- High-risk types (such as HPV 16 and 18) can cause cancer and are responsible for most HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer.
- Disease Burden in India: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India. Around 80,000 new cases and more than 42,000 deaths occur every year. Long-term HPV infection is responsible for about 85% of cervical cancer cases, with HPV types 16 and 18 causing over 80% of these cases in India.
- How HPV Spreads: HPV is mainly transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact, especially during sexual activity (vaginal, anal, or oral). It is the most common sexually transmitted infection globally.
- Prevention Measures: Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent HPV infection and related cancers. The main target group is girls aged 9–14 years, ideally before they become sexually active. Depending on guidelines, the vaccine may be given in one or two doses. Other preventive measures include using condoms, voluntary male circumcision, and avoiding smoking.
- WHO Targets for Eliminating Cervical Cancer (by 2030):
- 90% of girls should be fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15.
- 70% of women should be screened for cervical cancer by age 35 and again by age 45.
- 90% of women diagnosed with cervical disease should receive proper treatment and care.
- WHO Global Health Response: Preventing HPV-related cancers is an important part of the WHO’s global health strategy for 2022–2030, which focuses on HIV, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections. A 2021 WHO resolution on oral health also includes efforts to prevent mouth and throat cancers linked to HPV.
What are the Key Facts Regarding the HPV Vaccination Drive?
- Target Group and Access:
- The programme focuses on girls aged around 14 years. Vaccination will be voluntary and free of cost, and it will be provided at government health facilities such as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and District Hospitals.
- Effectiveness in Prevention:
- When given during the teenage years, the HPV vaccine can reduce the risk of cervical cancer by more than 85%, making early vaccination highly beneficial.
- Type of Vaccine Used:
- The programme will initially use Gardasil, a quadrivalent vaccine that protects against HPV types 16 and 18 (which are the main causes of cervical cancer) as well as types 6 and 11.
- Dosage Schedule:
- India has adopted a single-dose vaccination approach, following WHO recommendations. If needed, an optional second dose can be given after a gap of 3 to 5 years.
- Status of Indigenous Vaccine: India’s own HPV vaccine, Cervavac, is not yet approved by the WHO for use under this national programme.
- Safety and Scientific Evidence:
- The HPV vaccine is non-live, meaning it cannot cause HPV infection. It has a strong safety record, with more than 500 million doses given worldwide since 2006. Research shows it is 93–100% effective in preventing cervical cancer caused by different HPV types.
- Procurement and Policy Support:
- Vaccines have been made available through India’s partnership with GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance. The vaccine has been approved by India’s drug regulator and is widely used internationally. Its introduction was recommended by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, and the Union Budget 2024 also supported vaccination for girls aged 9–14 years.
- Campaign Approach:
- The HPV vaccination drive will be run as a special campaign rather than part of routine immunisation. It will be held on specific immunisation days and monitored through the U-WIN digital platform to ensure quick and effective coverage.
FAQ’s
- What is the main aim of India’s HPV vaccination programme?
The primary goal is to reduce and eventually eliminate cervical cancer by offering free and voluntary HPV vaccination to girls aged 9–14 years. The programme mainly focuses on protecting against high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, which cause most cervical cancer cases. - Which vaccine is being used in the national HPV vaccination drive?
India is currently using Gardasil, a quadrivalent vaccine that protects against four types of HPV — 6 and 11 (which cause genital warts) and 16 and 18 (which are linked to cervical cancer). - What are the WHO targets for eliminating cervical cancer?
The World Health Organization aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030. Its targets include vaccinating 90% of girls, screening 70% of women for cervical cancer, and ensuring that 90% of women diagnosed with the disease receive proper treatment and care.
