With a population of 511.4 million women in India aged 15 years and above, it can be said that most of them might have a risk of developing cervical cancer. Current estimates also state that 77,00 women die from cancer out of 123907 women diagnosed with the disease.
According to WHO, 90% of deaths occur from cervical cancer in low to middle-Income Countries and has been the 4 common cause of death there. HPV vaccines are recommended at the age of 11-12 years, and it is suggested that every preteen who takes this can be protected from HPV infections that can cause cancer later in life.Â
Even though it has taken 18 years for India to produce its own HPV vaccine some people are finding it quite difficult to accept. HPV is reported to be the second biggest cause of death among women in India. A news article by the Guardian highlighted a 14-year-old girl who was present at the Lalwani Mother and child hospital to receive the first human-made HPV vaccine. Â
A reputed doctor in India has highlighted the fact that more than 90% of cervical cancers are related to HPV yet women are against taking a shot. If prevention can help protect women from this deadly disease, why delay it.
 The most common Gardasil 9 vaccine is known to offer protection against nine types of HPV which are responsible for most HPV-related cancers. Another vaccine Gardasil has been licensed in India since 2008 targets four strains of HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18 and is commercially sold for Rs 4000 per dose.Â
Cervavac, the first Indian-made HPV vaccine by Serum Institute of India is approved for boys and girls aged 9 to 26 years.
This vaccine is priced relatively cheaper than its counterparts, with two doses sold at 4000 Rs. This vaccine has already shown efficacy in preventing HPV infections and precancerous lesions, particularly against HPV types 16 and 18. From March 8 this vaccine is offered at a rate of 1500 Rs for those who have registered early.
Adar Poonawalla, SII’s chief executive has also claimed that the vaccine will be made available at Rs 400 a dose by the end of December.Â
The Indian government has already taken the right steps to make this vaccine more accessible. states like Maharashtra, Punjab, Sikkim and Karnataka are setting up free HPV Vaccination camps for schools in particular districts.
This shows that the government is trying to take a step towards educating the youth regarding the importance of vaccination from an early age.Â
Even though the symptoms of cervical cancer cannot be seen in the early stage, warnings of it like vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain during intercourse can be analyzed by the woman herself. Cervical cancer is a treatable disease and can be cured if detected early on.
Thus, women should take a shot of the HPV vaccine since it is accessible to a huge population this year. Â
News Link – https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/mar/12/first-indian-made-hpv-vaccine-is-rolled-outÂ
