India Launches National HPV Vaccination Drive

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, which accounts for nearly a fifth of the world's cases and a quarter of all deaths from the disease. In 2022 alone, India recorded an estimated 127,526 new cases and 79,906 deaths from this preventable illness. The primary cause of almost all cervical cancers is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). In India, two specific types, HPV 16 and 18, are responsible for approximately 77% of all cervical cancer cases. The national drive will administer the quadrivalent Gardasil vaccine, which protects against the high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, as well as types 6 and 11 that cause genital warts. These vaccines are being supplied for the free, voluntary program through a partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. A major development in this public health effort is India's own indigenous vaccine, "Cervavac," developed by the Serum Institute of India (SII). The availability of a domestically produced, more affordable vaccine is a crucial step in overcoming cost barriers that have previously limited access. The campaign targets girls at age 14, as the vaccine provides maximum benefit before potential exposure to the virus. Citing strong scientific evidence, officials have stated that a single dose provides robust and long-lasting protection for this age group, a stance supported by recent WHO recommendations. This initiative aligns with the World Health Organization's global "90-70-90" strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. The first goal of this strategy is to have 90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15.