IAS/UPSC Coaching Institute  

26 Feb 2026 : A jab well done

Article 1: A jab well done

Why in news: India’s HPV vaccination drive is vital to prevent cervical cancer, reduce high mortality, strengthen public health, and promote scientific trust amid rising vaccine hesitancy, ensuring long-term protection for young girls nationwide.

Key Details

  • India has launched a nationwide HPV vaccination programme for 14-year-old girls, using a single-dose schedule recommended by the World Health Organization.
  • The vaccine will be administered only at designated government health facilities, with trained medical staff and proper AEFI monitoring systems in place.
  • HPV types 16 and 18 account for over 80% of cervical cancer cases in India, making vaccination a major preventive intervention.
  • In 2022, India reported 127,526 new cervical cancer cases and 79,906 deaths, with screening coverage at just 1.9% among women aged 30–49.
  • Past concerns from the 2009–10 HPV vaccine trial highlight the need for transparency, strong cold chain management, and meticulous adverse-event reporting.

Significance of the Nationwide HPV Vaccination Programme

  • India has launched a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme for 14-year-old girls.
  • The move strengthens confidence in science-based public health policy amid rising global anti-vaccination sentiment.
  • The risks of vaccine hesitancy are visible in countries like the United States, where measles outbreaks have resurfaced.

Implementation and Safety Measures

  • Vaccination will take place only at designated government health facilities.
  • It will be administered in the presence of trained medical officers and healthcare teams.
  • Systems will be in place for post-vaccination monitoring and management of Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI).
  • India will adopt a single-dose schedule, as recommended by the World Health Organization.

Scientific Basis and Preventive Value

  • Nearly all cervical cancer cases are caused by persistent infection with high-risk HPV types 16 and 18.
  • These two types account for over 80% of cervical cancer cases in India.
  • Cervical cancer is largely preventable through vaccination and regular screening.
  • Early detection ensures the disease is highly treatable and potentially curable.
  • Over 90 countries have implemented single-dose HPV vaccination, showing major reductions in infections and cancer incidence.

Burden of Cervical Cancer in India

  • The South-East Asia Region has the second-highest cervical cancer incidence and mortality, with India contributing over 65% of the burden.
  • It is the second most common cancer among women in India.
  • In 2022, India recorded approximately 127,526 new cases and 79,906 deaths.
  • National screening coverage remains very low, with only 1.9% of women aged 30–49 tested.

Past Concerns and the Need for Vigilance

  • A 2009–10 HPV vaccine trial in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat saw the deaths of seven girls.
  • An inquiry by the Indian Council of Medical Research found the deaths were most likely unrelated to the vaccine, though certainty was not absolute.
  • The investigation stressed the importance of careful identification and reporting of AEFI cases.

Way Forward

  • Ensure a strong cold chain system for safe vaccine storage.
  • Maintain complete transparency to build public trust.
  • Guarantee meticulous nationwide monitoring and reporting of AEFI.
  • Strengthen screening programmes alongside vaccination for maximum impact.

Conclusion

India’s nationwide HPV vaccination programme marks a decisive step toward reducing the heavy burden of cervical cancer. Backed by strong scientific evidence and global best practices, it offers a powerful preventive tool for young girls. However, its success will depend on transparent implementation, strong surveillance of adverse events, robust cold chain systems, and improved screening coverage to ensure lasting public trust and measurable health gains.

 

Descriptive question:

Discuss the significance of India’s nationwide HPV vaccination programme in reducing cervical cancer burden. Highlight implementation challenges and measures needed to ensure transparency, safety, and public trust. (15 marks, 250 words)