PM launches nationwide HPV vaccination programme

National Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme against cervical cancer was virtually launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Ajmer, Rajasthan, on Saturday, with the state-level launch held at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK).
The State launch was led by commissioner & secretary, health & family welfare (H&FW), Anoop Khinchi, in the presence of health officials and staff at NHAK.
Addressing the gathering after witnessing the national launch, Khinchi expressed happiness and pride at being part of what he described as “a landmark public health initiative.”
He stated that cervical cancer remained a significant public health concern both in India and globally. He explained that cervical cancer, which affects the lower end of the uterus known as the cervix, was responsible for a substantial number of cancer-related deaths among women.
Citing medical data, Khinchi informed that about 99.7% of cervical cancer cases were caused by persistent infection of the genital tract by high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV).
He pointed out that cervical cancer was the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in India and accounted for 18.3% of all female cancers in the country.
Khinchi also informed that the disease commonly affected women in their prime years between 35 and 55 years of age, leading to severe disruptions in families, including the upbringing of children and other socio-economic challenges.
He, however, emphasised that cervical cancer was one of the few cancers that was 100% preventable through vaccination.
Under the national HPV vaccination programme, Khinchi informed that all eligible girls aged 14 years across the country would be vaccinated with a single dose of the Gardasil-4 vaccine at government health facilities. He stated that those facilities would be equipped with cold chain points and have dedicated medical officers to manage any Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI).
He also said the vaccination drive would be conducted over a three-month period, during which the HPV vaccine would be available daily at designated government health facilities to ensure maximum coverage of eligible girls. Thereafter, he said the vaccine would continue to be available at the same facilities on routine immunization days.
Further, Khinchi informed that HPV vaccine would be provided free of cost. He clarified that the vaccination was voluntary and that obtaining consent from parents or guardians was mandatory before administration.
Referring to the global strategy for elimination of cervical cancer, he stated that the World Health Organization (WHO) had proposed a threshold of four cases per one lakh women in every country.
He elaborated on the 90-70-90 targets to be achieved by 2030, which included 90% of girls being fully vaccinated by the age of 15 years, 70% of women being screened by the ages of 35 and again at 45 years, and 90% of women diagnosed with cervical disease receiving appropriate treatment.
Calling for collective responsibility, Khinchi urged all stakeholders to extend their support to ensure the success of the HPV vaccination campaign so all eligible 14-year-old girls received the vaccine and were safeguarded against cervical cancer.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by H&FW director Dr Sendimeren Aonok, while the invocation was offered by former NHAK chaplain, Vikepu Tepa.