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HPV Vaccine for Cervical Cancer
Why in News?
India is expected to roll out the indigenously developed CERVAVAC vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer among girls aged 9-14 years through their schools by mid-2023.
The decision was based on the National Technical Advisory Group for Immunisation (NTAGI) recommendation to introduce the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine in the Universal Immunisation Programme.
What is CERVAVAC?
About:
It is the first quadrivalent human papillomavirus (qHPV) vaccine to be produced entirely within India, and it is said to be effective against all four known strains of the virus: Type 6, Type 11, Type 16, and Type 18.
A quadrivalent vaccine stimulates the immune system’s defences against four distinct antigens, such as four distinct viruses or other microbes.
The VLP (Virus-Like Particles) foundation of CERVAVAC is comparable to that of the Hepatitis B vaccine.
Approval:
The vaccine has been authorised for use in the public health programme by the government advisory council NTAGI and the Drugs Controller General of India.
Relevance: It would be beneficial if included in national HPV vaccination initiatives and supplied at a lower cost than current immunisations because it has a substantial potential to eradicate cervical cancer.
When given before the first sexual encounter, the vaccination is only very effective.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer develops in a woman’s cervix. It is the 4th most common type of cancer among women, globally and 2nd most common among women in India.
India contributes the largest share of the global cervical cancer burden; nearly 1 in every 4 deaths globally due to cervical cancer (as per The Lancet study).
The majority of cervical cancer cases (99%) are associated with high-risk HPV infection, a virus that is exceedingly prevalent and spread through sex contact.
Most occurrences of cervical cancer can be prevented with primary (HPV vaccine) and secondary prevention strategies (screening for and treating precancerous lesions).
As long as it is identified early and carefully handled, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable types of cancer when it is diagnosed.
With the right medical care and palliative care, cancers that have already advanced to advanced stages can also be controlled.
Within a generation, cervical cancer as a public health issue can be eliminated with a comprehensive strategy to prevention, screening, and treatment..
