Cervical Cancer in India
One woman dies of cervical cancer every eight minutes in India, contributing to about a fifth of the global burden of the disease. Approximately 90% of cervical cancer cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Prevention through Screening and Vaccination
- Early screening and vaccination can significantly prevent cervical cancer.
- Lack of awareness and the high cost of vaccines are major barriers to prevention.
Government's Inoculation Drive
The Indian government is set to launch a vaccination drive in about a month, which could be a significant step forward.
- The vaccine, Gardasil-4, manufactured by Merck & Co, will be given as a single dose to 14-year-olds.
- This approach aligns with WHO's 2022 findings that a single dose given between ages 9 and 14 is as effective as multi-dose regimens.
- Eligible women can book a slot at government health centres using the U-win portal.
- The government aims to vaccinate 1.15 crore young women who turn 14 every year.
Global and National Perspectives
- Studies in Sweden, the UK, and Australia indicate that high vaccine coverage reduces cancerous lesions and symptoms among the unvaccinated.
- Several Indian states have already initiated government-sponsored HPV vaccination drives.
Success Stories and Challenges
- School-based vaccination projects in Sikkim and Punjab's high-burden districts have achieved significant coverage.
- Similar initiatives have been launched in Bihar and Tamil Nadu.
- Delhi's programme, which depended on parents bringing children to hospitals, saw limited success.
Lessons and Future Steps
- The Centre should learn from the successes and failures of various state schemes.
- Centrally sponsored immunisation programmes highlight the importance of effective awareness campaigns.
- The elimination of cervical cancer in India will rely not only on vaccine supply but also on the efficacy of information drives.
