Source: The post status of cervical cancer in India has been created, based on the article “A bold step towards a cervical cancer-free future” published in “The Hindu” on 8th March 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,
News: The article discusses India’s new budget plan which includes funding for HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer in girls. It mentions global and local successes in HPV vaccination and how it can improve women’s health and reduce cervical cancer.
For details information on cervical cancer read Article 1 and Article 2
What is the current status of cervical cancer in India?
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Indian women, with 1.27 lakh cases and 80,000 deaths annually. The main cause is the Human papillomavirus (HPV).
For information on Human papillomavirus (HPV) read here
India’s 2024-25 interim budget includes funding for HPV vaccinating girls aged 9 to 14 against cervical cancer.
What initiatives have been taken to eliminate cervical cancer?
Initiatives in India
Development of Cervavac: India developed its own HPV vaccine, Cervavac, making it more affordable and accessible.
Sikkim’s Successful Model: Sikkim achieved a 97% HPV vaccination rate through effective community education and outreach programs.
U-WIN Portal Rollout: Similar to Co-WIN, this portal will track immunizations across the country, including HPV vaccines.
Initiatives Worldwide
WHO’s ‘90-70-90’ Targets: Aims for 90% of girls to be vaccinated by age 15, 70% of women screened by ages 35 and 45, and 90% of cervical cancer cases treated by 2030.
Rwanda’s Campaign: Reduced HPV prevalence, especially in women who participated in the 2011 catch-up program.
Southeast Asia Region: Bhutan, Indonesia, the Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand introduced the HPV vaccine nationwide.
Bhutan’s Leadership: First low-middle income country (LMIC) to start a nationwide HPV vaccination program for girls in 2010 and for boys in 2021, achieving 95% coverage among targeted girls.
What are the challenges in eliminating cervical cancer?
Combatting Vaccine Hesitancy: There’s a significant challenge in addressing myths and misinformation surrounding the HPV vaccine.
Achieving Equitable Access: A major hurdle is ensuring access to HPV vaccination for all, particularly in underserved areas.
Building Robust Infrastructure: Developing sufficient healthcare infrastructure for widespread vaccination is a challenge.
Implementing Tracking Systems: The need for efficient tracking systems like U-WIN presents a logistical challenge.
Raising Awareness and Education: Increasing awareness and understanding of HPV and cervical cancer in diverse cultural contexts is difficult.
Ensuring Vaccine Affordability: Making vaccines like Cervavac affordable and accessible remains a key challenge.
What is the overall impact of HPV vaccination?
Reduction in Cervical Cancer Cases: HPV vaccination has led to a notable decrease in cervical cancer, especially in countries with comprehensive vaccination programs.
Cost-Effective Healthcare: India’s development of the affordable Cervavac vaccine increases accessibility and affordability.
Improved Women’s Health and Productivity: By reducing the incidence of cervical cancer, HPV vaccination contributes to the better overall health and economic productivity of women.
Question for practice:
Discuss the current status of cervical cancer in India and the initiatives taken both locally and globally to eliminate it.
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