SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare | Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) | National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP)
The question addresses the estimated burden of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)-related cervical cancer, the availability and cost of HPV vaccines, and the Governmentβs actions regarding vaccine misinformation.
As per the ICMR-NCRP data, the estimated total number of cervical cancer incidence cases in India grew from 73,289 in 2019 to an estimated 81,121 in 2023. It also contains state-wise estimates of cervical cancer incidence, showing higher caseloads in several large states including Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. Uttar Pradesh consistently reported the highest estimated cases, rising from 9,793 in 2019 to 10,825 in 2023
The HPV vaccine is not currently part of the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). However, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has initiated capacity building for medical and paramedical staff in anticipation of the cervical cancer vaccine.
What is the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)? The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is a flagship public health initiative of the Government of India that provides free vaccines against 12 Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs), making it the official, government-funded delivery channel for preventative vaccines.
Policy Relevance
The rising incidence of preventable cervical cancer, compounded by the exclusion of the HPV vaccine from the UIP, highlights a critical public health failure in transitioning from policy intent to action. The high cost of vaccines in the open market creates a profound equity barrier, necessitating immediate policy intervention to fully subsidize and integrate the HPV vaccine into the UIP to ensure equitable access and reduce future morbidity and mortality burdens.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: What comprehensive financing and implementation strategy is required to rapidly integrate the HPV vaccine into the Universal Immunization Programme to achieve universal coverage while managing high demand and mitigating misinformation campaigns?
Follow the full news here: HPV Incidence and Vaccine Status in India