A jab well done, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• India is introducing a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme for girls aged 14.
• The HPV vaccination will occur at government health facilities with trained medical officers.
• A single-dose vaccine, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), will be used.
• In 2022, India had an estimated 127,526 new cases and 79,906 deaths from cervical cancer.
• National screening coverage remains low, with only 1.9% of women aged 30-49 being tested.

Detailed Insights:

• HPV vaccination and regular screening can largely prevent cervical cancer, and early detection enables a cure.
• Over 90 countries globally implement single-dose HPV vaccination schedules, showing reductions in HPV infection and cervical cancer.
• The South-East Asia Region (SEARO) has the second-highest cervical cancer incidence, with India contributing over 65% of the burden.
• An earlier HPV vaccine trial in 2009-10 in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat saw seven girls' deaths, though likely unrelated to the vaccine.
• The government needs to ensure a working cold chain for vaccine storage, transparency, and meticulous reporting of Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI).

Key Concepts Involved:

• HPV (Human Papillomavirus): A common virus that can cause cervical cancer.
• Cervical Cancer: A type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix.
• AEFI (Adverse Events Following Immunisation): Any untoward medical occurrence which follows immunization.

HPV in India