New Delhi: India is set to launch a nationwide human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program aimed at eliminating cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among women in India. two officials familiar with the matter.
This special vaccination campaign is only for girls aged 14 across all socio-economic groups, one of the officials quoted earlier said on condition of anonymity because the details are not yet public. “Although not currently part of the Universal Immunization Program (UIP), the rollout is in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Strategy to Eliminate Cervical Cancer.”
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Almost 80,000 new cases cervical cancer and more than 42,000 deaths annually in India. Scientific evidence shows that almost all cases are caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV. Specifically, types 16 and 18 account for more than 80% of the country’s disease burden.
Emailed inquiries to a spokesperson for the Department of Health remained unanswered as of press time.
India joins the 160 countries that have integrated HPV vaccination into their national health plans. Since its global introduction in 2006, more than 500 million doses of HPV vaccine have been administered worldwide. As an inanimate vaccine, it cannot cause HPV infection and maintains excellent long-term safety.
The program will use Gardasil, a quadrivalent vaccine manufactured by Merck & Co. This vaccine protects against four types of HPV: 16 and 18, which cause cancer; and 6 and 11, which cause other related conditions. Acquired through a partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance has been shown to be 93-100% effective in preventing cervical cancer caused by these specific types.
“Too many women come to us when cervical cancer is already at an advanced stage and difficult to treat. What makes this disease particularly heartbreaking is that it is largely preventable,” said *Dr. Dinesh Pendharkar, director of oncology at Sarvodaya Hospitals.
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“A national HPV vaccination program for young girls is a powerful and practical step to change this reality,” said Dr. Pendharkar. “By ensuring free and fair access, we are investing in prevention, protecting future generations and moving closer to eliminating cervical cancer in India.”
Based on the recommendations of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and global trends, India will adopt a single-dose schedule. In June 2022, the Strategic Advisory Group of Immunization Experts (SAGE) reviewed new evidence showing that a single dose provides efficacy comparable to a two- or three-dose regimen. This approach has been adopted in more than 90 countries because it significantly improves coverage and affordability while maintaining robust and sustained protection for girls in the recommended age group.
To ensure the highest level of safety and parental confidence, vaccination sessions will take place exclusively at designated government health facilities. These places include Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (formerly Health and Wellness Centres), Community Health Centres, District and Sub-District Hospitals and Government Medical Colleges.
“Each session will be conducted by trained doctors and supported by experienced medical teams. All sites will be connected with 24×7 medical support to monitor and manage any rare adverse events after vaccination,” the official said.
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“The government has secured the supply through a transparent, globally supported procurement mechanism. By maintaining strict quality standards and a cold chain, the government aims to ensure uninterrupted access to these life-saving rations across all states and Union Territories,” the official said.
