On February 28, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a nationwide campaign aimed at vaccinating 14-year-old girls against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) from Ajmer, Rajasthan. This initiative marks a significant advancement in India’s efforts to combat cervical cancer. The program’s launch was attended virtually by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, along with Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Health.
Prime Minister Emphasizes Women’s Health
During the event, Modi emphasized the importance of women’s health in maintaining family welfare. He noted that a healthy mother forms the backbone of a resilient family. The Prime Minister highlighted various government initiatives that support women, including the construction of toilets, the distribution of affordable sanitary pads, and the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for clean cooking fuel. He also mentioned the direct financial assistance given to pregnant women to ensure proper nourishment.
Virtual Participation from Across the Nation
The launch event included virtual attendance from Governors, Chief Ministers, and health officials from various States and Union Territories across India. This wide participation underscores the government’s commitment to improving women’s health through collaborative efforts at multiple administrative levels.
Cervical Cancer: A Public Health Challenge
Cervical cancer poses a serious public health challenge, being the second most prevalent cancer among women in India. It accounts for over 120,000 new diagnoses and nearly 80,000 deaths each year, according to the WHO GLOBOCAN report for 2022. The primary cause of this cancer is persistent infection by high-risk HPV types, particularly types 16 and 18.
Aiming for Prevention Through Vaccination
The HPV vaccination program seeks to prevent cervical cancer by administering the vaccine to girls before they might be exposed to the virus. The vaccine, endorsed by the World Health Organisation and India’s National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, provides long-lasting protection against the types of HPV responsible for most cervical cancer cases. Globally, 160 of 194 countries have incorporated HPV vaccination into their immunization schedules.
Details of the Vaccination Campaign
The campaign targets girls aged 14 who have completed their 14th year but have not reached 15. Approximately 12 million girls are expected to benefit annually from this initiative. It is set to be implemented over a duration of three months, where vaccinations will take place at designated government health facilities across the country. A single 0.5 ml intramuscular dose will be administered to recipients following parental or guardian consent.
Operational Logistics and Pre-Registration
The U-WIN digital platform will facilitate the registration, appointment scheduling, and tracking of the vaccination process. Parents and guardians will need to provide consent, which will be recorded. When internet access is limited, hard copies of consent forms will be accepted. The initiative is designed to adhere to strict medical guidelines, ensuring vaccination only takes place under suitable conditions.
Impact on Preventive Healthcare
Following the national launch, local events across States and Union Territories will take place to further promote the vaccination campaign. The initiative is viewed as a transformative effort in India’s preventive healthcare strategy. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare calls upon parents and guardians to ensure that their daughters participate in the campaign, thereby contributing to a healthier future free from cervical cancer.