India’s Indigenous Quadrivalent HPV Vaccine: A Major Breakthrough in Preventing Cervical Cancer

Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the quadrivalent nature of the HPV vaccine, which targets HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18, the primary culprits responsible for cervical cancer in women.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, emphasized India’s remarkable progress in preventive healthcare with the development of the affordable and highly effective Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The vaccine, designed to prevent cervical cancer, is poised to save countless lives, particularly women who are at high risk.

The announcement was made at the "Together Against HPV" Conclave, organized by a leading national news channel in New Delhi. Dr. Singh applauded the Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology for its pioneering role in developing this vaccine.

Affordable and Effective: A Boon for Women’s Health

Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the quadrivalent nature of the HPV vaccine, which targets HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18, the primary culprits responsible for cervical cancer in women. He stressed that the vaccine is both affordable and highly effective, making it an invaluable tool in India’s healthcare arsenal.

Cervical Cancer Impact: India reports around one lakh deaths annually due to cervical cancer, with over 90% of cases linked to HPV infections.

Target Population: Nearly 450-500 million women across India are at risk, making this indigenous vaccine a crucial intervention.

Dosing Regimen:

Two doses for girls under 15 years of age.

Three doses for girls above 15 years.

Dr. Singh described the vaccine as a game-changer for women’s health, offering a cost-effective solution to a preventable disease.

Government's Vision for Preventive Healthcare

The Minister attributed the success of the HPV vaccine and other healthcare advancements to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, particularly under initiatives like Mission Suraksha during the Covid-19 pandemic. He praised India’s growing strength in indigenous vaccine development, citing the Department of Biotechnology’s earlier success with the first DNA Covid vaccine.

Dr. Singh also noted that the HPV vaccine signifies India’s transition towards preventive healthcare and reflects a larger cultural shift in health awareness across the nation.

Call for Multi-Sectoral Collaboration

Addressing the audience at the conclave, Dr Singh called for a united approach involving the:

Public and private sectors

NGOs and academic institutions

Healthcare delivery systems

He urged that cervical cancer prevention be prioritized through awareness campaigns, early detection initiatives, and inclusive healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Tackling social stigma and taboos surrounding diseases like cervical cancer remains a vital challenge that India must overcome.

Women-Led Development and India’s Vision 2047

Dr. Singh underscored the importance of women-led development as a cornerstone of India’s vision for 2047. He emphasized that prioritizing women’s health and preventive care would strengthen the nation’s future:

• Preventive initiatives, such as the HPV vaccination program, are integral to achieving universal health coverage.
• Women’s empowerment in healthcare will contribute to India’s economic and social progress.

India as a Global Healthcare Leader

Dr Singh reflected on India’s growing stature in science and technology, noting that the success of indigenous vaccines like the HPV vaccine showcases the country’s ability to set global benchmarks. He remarked that India is no longer just catching up with other nations but often leading the world in medical technology and vaccine research.

Integration into National Immunization Programs

The conclave concluded with a strong call to integrate the HPV vaccine into India’s national immunization programs, ensuring that it reaches even the remotest parts of the country. Discussions centered on fostering partnerships across sectors to comprehensively tackle cervical cancer through vaccination, screening, and public awareness.

Dr. Jitendra Singh urged stakeholders to join hands in combating cervical cancer, a preventable yet deadly disease, and transform India into a global leader in preventive healthcare.

The "Together Against HPV" Conclave served as a platform to reinforce India’s commitment to women’s health and preventive care, highlighting the transformative impact of indigenous innovations like the Quadrivalent HPV vaccine. With a clear roadmap and multi-level collaboration, India is poised to reduce cervical cancer’s burden and ensure a healthier future for its women.