India has announced a nationwide single-dose Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme for girls aged 14, aimed at preventing cervical cancer, a major public health burden.
About Cervical Cancer
- Cause: Cervical cancer affects the cervix (the mouth of the uterus) and is caused by a persistent infection of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
- The Main Villains: While there are over 100 types of HPV, Types 16 and 18 are responsible for approx 80% of cervical cancer cases in India.
- Preventability: It is one of the few cancers that is nearly 100% preventable through timely vaccination and regular screening, and it is completely curable if detected early.
- Alarming Statistics:
- South East Asia has the second-highest death rate from this cancer globally, with India contributing 65% of the SEARO (South-East Asia Region) cases.
- It is the second most common cancer among Indian women, following breast cancer.
- In 2022 alone, India saw approximately 127,000 new cases and nearly 80,000 deaths.
- Screening Gap: Only 1.9% of women aged 30–49 have been screened for cervical cancer.
The National HPV Vaccination Plan
- The Goal: India is launching a nationwide plan to join over 90 countries that provide the HPV vaccine to reduce cancer rates.
- Target Group: The vaccine will be administered to 14-year-old girls, as it is most effective when given before an individual becomes sexually active.
- Dosage: Following WHO recommendations, the government will provide a single dose.
- Administration: To ensure safety and control, the vaccine will be available only at government health facilities and administered by trained medical officers or skilled healthcare teams.
Global Anti-vaccination sentiment
- Rising Anti-Vaccination Sentiment: Anti-vaccination attitudes are increasing globally, largely driven by misinformation and distrust in scientific institutions.
- Case Study – United States: Vaccine hesitancy has resulted in a measles outbreak spreading across 26 states, even though the disease had been nearly eliminated earlier.
- Declining Trust in Science: The resurgence of preventable diseases reflects a broader erosion of public confidence in science and public health systems in several developed nations.
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Addressing Safety and Building Trust
- Historical Context: The government is maintaining strict control due to a 2009–10 HPV Vaccine trial in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, where seven girls died after receiving the vaccine.
- Although an ICMR investigation concluded the deaths were not caused by the vaccine, the incident severely damaged public trust.
- AEFI Protocols: The program now includes strict monitoring for Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI).
- Girls will be kept under observation after the jab, and skilled medical teams will be present to manage any side effects.
- AEFI: Any untoward medical occurrence after immunisation — fever, dizziness, or any serious reaction. These must be monitored, reported, and investigated meticulously.
- Transparency: The government must be transparent about side effects and conduct meticulous reporting and investigation of any adverse reactions.
- ICMR Recommendation: ICMR recommended that every AEFI case be identified and thoroughly investigated. The 2009 tragedy established that no adverse event, no matter how minor, can be taken lightly in any immunisation programme.
Requirements for the Success of the Nationwide HPV Vaccination Programme
- Cold Chain Management: Since the vaccine is temperature-sensitive, a robust cold chain must be maintained from the factory to the injection site to ensure its efficacy.
- A Two-Pronged Approach: Success depends on vaccinating the younger generation while simultaneously increasing screening and monitoring for older women to save them from the disease.
Conclusion
The nationwide HPV vaccination programme is a potentially life-saving intervention that can drastically reduce cervical cancer mortality in India.
- Its success, however, depends on scientific communication, transparent AEFI reporting, strong logistics, and sustained public trust.
26 Feb 2026
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