Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that impacts a huge population of women. This cancer type occurs in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus which is connected to the vagina. According to experts, it develops slowly with time and is caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that is usually spread through sexual contact. The vaccine that is being developed in India virus meant to protect women from the increasing risk of cervical cancer.
“Cervical Cancer Vaccines To Be Rolled Out Soon,” Top Health Ministry
According to recent news reports, the top health ministry of India has announced that it will soon begun rolling out the HPV vaccines in the the national immunization programme for school girls. Union Health Minister J P Nadda said in a statement, “The HPV vaccine will be rolled out in a few months but we will have to wait for the TB vaccine.” The health ministry did not provide any further details and stated that they are strategizing the way forward.
In India, cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer plaguing only women. It is a preventable and curable disease but only when detected early and treated adequately.
In India, cervical cancer kills about 77,348 women every year. It has become a significant public health challenge that must be addressed.
Why Was Cervical Cancer Vaccine Roll Out Delayed?
The recommendation of the use and inclusion of a vaccine was carried out into the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI). However, the government of India was unable to implement it on time, says reports.
The market authorization for manufacturing the vaccines was granted by India’s Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to the Serum Institute of India (SII) in 2023. This would have made this vaccine India’s first Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus vaccine (qHPV) against cervical cancer. According to reports, there is already an existing vaccine in the private sector.