Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a nationwide HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination campaign from Ajmer on February 28. The primary objective of this initiative is to reduce cervical cancer among women.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, and nearly 90% of cases are caused by HPV infection.
This vaccine is effective not only against cervical cancer but also against:
Anal cancer
Penile cancer
Vaginal cancer
Vulvar cancer
Throat cancer
HPV is a commonly transmitted virus that spreads mainly through physical contact.
Key Highlights of the Campaign
Under this national campaign:
Special focus will be on 14-year-old girls
A single dose of the HPV vaccine will be administered
The target is to vaccinate approximately 11.5 million girls every year
Vaccination during adolescence provides stronger and long-lasting protection.
Which Vaccine Will Be Used?
Currently, the campaign will use the Gardasil vaccine.
India’s indigenously developed Cervavac by Serum Institute is awaiting approval from World Health Organization and is therefore not being used at present.
In the future, it may be included once approved.
GAVI Vaccine Alliance will supply 26 million doses to India, out of which 10 million doses have already arrived.
Is One Dose Enough?
Yes.
According to experts at the World Health Organization:
A single dose is effective for girls aged 9 to 20 years
Women aged 21 years and above require two doses
Individuals with weakened immunity are advised three doses
Is This the First Time in India? What About Other Countries?
After HPV vaccination began in Australia:
HPV prevalence among young women dropped from 22.7% to 1.5%.
Some Indian states have already implemented the program:
Sikkim launched it in 2018, covering over 95% of girls
Punjab started in 2016 and vaccinated 97% of the target group.
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