



Mint Explainer | Why India’s nationwide HPV vaccination drive is a shot in the arm to eliminate cervical cancer
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign on 28 February by including it in India’s Universal Immunization Programme to vaccinate 12 million girls annually. With 120,000 new cases and 80,000 deaths annually, India accounts for a quarter of global cervical cancer deaths.Infection by certain HPV strains can cause precancerous cell changes, which may eventually lead to cancer.Mint explains the rationale behind the plan to help stop cervical cancer – the second most common cancer among women in India – by leveraging the country's digital infrastructure and primary health centre network.The aim is to prevent cervical cancer in girls before they are exposed to the virus.
The campaign focuses on girls aged 14 (those who have turned 14 and are not yet 15). Additionally, a window is available for girls who will turn 15 within three months of the launch.HPV vaccines are globally proven and safe, with over 500 million doses administered since 2006.
Medical evidence shows the vaccine is 93-100% effective in preventing cervical cancer.India is using Gardasil, a vaccine manufactured by Merck & Co, for the drive. It protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause cancer, as well as types 6 and 11, which cause genital warts.The vaccine requires strict quality and cold-storage standards.
To ensure a steady supply, the government procures the vaccine through a partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.Gavi is a global health partnership that brings together governments, the WHO, UNICEF and private foundations such as the Gates Foundation. In 2023, Gavi and India launched a three-year partnership, with Gavi providing $250 million to strengthen health systems.This
. Read on livemint.com