Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer

News: As per the article published in “The Hindu” Indias recent budget proposal includes provisions for financing HPV vaccination programs aimed at preventing cervical cancer in girls. The plan highlights both international and domestic achievements in HPV vaccination, emphasizing its potential to enhance womens health and decrease the incidence of cervical cancer.

Background:
• Cervical cancer stands as the second most prevalent cancer among Indian women, accounting for 1.27 lakh cases and 80,000 annual fatalities. The primary culprit behind this health concern is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). 
• In the interim budget for 2024-25, India has allocated funds for the HPV vaccination of girls aged 9 to 14, targeting the prevention of cervical cancer.

Initiatives Undertaken for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer
1. Initiatives in India
• Development of Cervavac: India has successfully introduced its indigenous HPV vaccine, Cervavac, aiming to enhance affordability and accessibility.
• Sikkim’s Successful Model: Sikkim has achieved an impressive 97% HPV vaccination rate, attributed to impactful community education and outreach initiatives.
• Implementation of U-WIN Portal: Similar to Co-WIN, the nationwide rollout of the U-WIN portal is set to monitor immunizations, encompassing the administration of HPV vaccines.
2. Initiatives on a Global Scale
• WHOs 90-70-90 Targets: Aiming to achieve a 90% vaccination rate for girls by age 15, screen 70% of women aged between 35 and 45, and treat 90% of cervical cancer cases by 2030.
• Rwandas Outreach: Demonstrated success in reducing HPV prevalence, particularly among women involved in the 2011 catch-up program.
• Southeast Asia Regional Efforts: Bhutan, Indonesia, the Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand have collectively implemented nationwide HPV vaccination initiatives.
• Bhutans Pioneering Role: As the first low-middle-income country (LMIC), Bhutan initiated a comprehensive nationwide HPV vaccination program for girls in 2010 and extended it to boys in 2021, achieving an impressive 95% coverage among the targeted girls.

Obstacles in the Elimination of Cervical Cancer
• Navigating Vaccine Hesitancy: A substantial obstacle lies in dispelling myths and countering misinformation surrounding the HPV vaccine.
• Achieving Equitable Access: Overcoming the challenge of ensuring universal access to HPV vaccination, especially in underserved regions, is critical.
• Fortifying Healthcare Infrastructure: The establishment of robust healthcare infrastructure for extensive vaccination poses a significant challenge.
• Integrating Efficient Tracking Systems: Implementing streamlined tracking systems, such as U-WIN, poses a logistical challenge in the vaccination process.
• Promoting Awareness and Education: Difficulties arise in enhancing awareness and understanding of HPV and cervical cancer within diverse cultural contexts.
• Ensuring Vaccine Affordability: The ongoing challenge involves making vaccines, such as Cervavac, both affordable and easily accessible.

Overall Impact of HPV Vaccination:
• Reduced Cases of Cervical Cancer: The implementation of HPV vaccination has resulted in a significant decline in cervical cancer cases, particularly evident in nations with extensive vaccination initiatives.
• Economically Viable Healthcare: The creation of Indias cost-effective Cervavac vaccine enhances both accessibility and affordability, marking a positive impact on healthcare expenses.

Enhanced Womens Well-being and Productivity: Through the reduction of cervical cancer occurrences, HPV vaccination plays a pivotal role in fostering improved overall health and heightened economic productivity among 
women.