Context

The Centre has said cervical cancer vaccine for girls aged between 9 and 14 years will be provided primarily through schools.

Details:

• The National Technical Advisory Group for Immunization (NTAGI) recommended the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccinein the ‘Universal Immunization Programme’.
• For registration, recording and reporting of vaccination numbers, the U-WIN Appwould be used.

About

• It is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix- the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
• Various strains of the Human papillomavirus (HPV) play a role in causing most cervical cancer.
• When exposed to HPV, the body's immune system typically prevents the virus from harming. In a small percentage of people, however, the virus survives for years, contributing to the process that causessome cervical cells to become cancer cells.
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract.
• Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women
• It is estimated that HPV types 16 and 18 (HPV-16 and HPV-18) together contribute to approximately 70% of all invasive cervical cancer cases worldwide.
• Cervical cancer is a preventable and curable disease, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively.

Indian Scenario: Cervical cancer ranks as the 2nd most prevalent cancer in India. It accounts for nearly one-fourth of the world’s cervical cancer deaths despite being largely preventable. Current estimates indicate that every year approximately 1.25 lakh women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and over 75 thousand die from the disease in India.

 

Types of HPV Vaccines: The HPV vaccine can prevent most cases of cervical cancer if the vaccine is given before girls or women are exposed to the virus. Quadrivalent vaccine (Gardasil): It protects against four types of HPV (HPV 16, 18, 6 and 11). The latter two strains cause genital warts. Bivalent vaccine (Cervarix): It protects against HPV 16 and 18 only. Non-valent vaccine (Gardasil 9): It protects against nine strains of HPV.

Which Vaccine will be used?

• India is expected to roll out the indigenouslydeveloped CERVAVAC vaccine by mid-2023.
• The vaccine has been received by the Drugs Controller General of India’s approval.

About CERVAVAC vaccine:             

• It is the first indigenously developed Human Papillomavirus Vaccine.
• Manufacturer: Pune-based Serum Institute of Indiain coordination with the Government of India’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT).