Context:
A Swedish population-based study has confirmed that HPV vaccination programs provide herd protection, reducing precancerous cervical lesions even among unvaccinated women. This finding is significant for India’s upcoming school-based HPV vaccination programme targeting girls aged 9–14 years.
Key Highlights
Scientific Findings
- Study tracked four birth cohorts (1989–2000) in Sweden.
• Vaccination coverage rose to 80% among girls born in 1999–2000.
• Unvaccinated women in high-coverage cohorts had ~50% lower risk of severe precancerous lesions.
• Demonstrates strong herd immunity effect.
Disease Burden in India
- Cervical cancer – Second most common cancer among Indian women.
• Annual burden:
- 1.25 lakh cases
- 75,000 deaths
• Over 95% of cases linked to persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains.
• At least 14 HPV types identified as carcinogenic.
India’s Policy Response
- Planned school-based HPV vaccination programme.
• Target group: Girls aged 9–14 years.
• Coverage goal: ≥70% vaccination rate.
Public Health Significance
- Early impact likely visible in decline in genital warts, followed by reduction in cervical cancer incidence.
• High coverage may reduce dependence on:
- Pap smear screening
- HPV testing
- CIN (Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia) tests
Relevant Prelims Points
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) – Group of viruses; some high-risk types cause cervical cancer.
• Herd Immunity – Indirect protection when a significant portion of the population is immunised.
• Cervical Cancer – Malignancy of cervix, primarily caused by persistent HPV infection.
• WHO’s global strategy aims to eliminate cervical cancer through 90-70-90 targets (vaccination, screening, treatment).
• HPV vaccines: Bivalent, Quadrivalent, Nonavalent types.
• India recently approved indigenous Cervavac vaccine (by Serum Institute of India).
Relevant Mains Points
- Social Justice & Gender Health
- Cervical cancer disproportionately affects women in low- and middle-income countries.
• Preventive vaccination promotes gender equity in healthcare.
• Reduces economic burden on families and health system.
- Science & Technology in Public Health
- Example of translational research influencing policy.
• Demonstrates importance of evidence-based immunisation strategies.
• Herd protection amplifies cost-effectiveness of vaccination programmes.
- Implementation Challenges in India
- Vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.
• Logistical challenges in rural outreach.
• Need for integration with school health programmes and Ayushman Bharat initiatives.
- Long-Term Economic Impact
- Reduces healthcare expenditure on cancer treatment.
• Improves women’s productivity and life expectancy.
Way Forward
- Ensure high vaccination coverage (≥70%) to achieve herd immunity.
• Strengthen public awareness campaigns.
• Integrate vaccination with adolescent health education.
• Maintain parallel screening programs until disease burden declines significantly.
UPSC Relevance
- GS 2 – Social Justice (Health, Women & Child Welfare)
• GS 3 – Science & Technology (Biotechnology & Vaccines)
• Prelims: HPV, herd immunity, WHO targets