New Delhi: The Indian government is ramping up its battle against cervical cancer, emphasizing HPV vaccination and DNA-based screening as cornerstone strategies. Health officials announced that these interventions could drastically reduce the disease burden, which claims thousands of lives annually in the country.
Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women in India, with over 1.2 lakh new cases and around 80,000 fatalities reported each year. The disease, primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), is largely preventable through timely vaccination and early detection.
The Union Health Ministry has outlined a multi-pronged approach. HPV vaccines, proven effective in preventing up to 90% of cervical cancers, will be prioritized for girls aged 9-14. States are being directed to integrate vaccination drives into routine immunization programs, with catch-up doses for older adolescents.
Complementing vaccination, DNA-based testing represents a game-changer in screening. Unlike traditional Pap smears, which have limitations in low-resource settings, HPV DNA tests detect the virus’s genetic material with higher accuracy. Pilot programs in several states have shown promising results, identifying high-risk cases early for timely intervention.
Experts hail this shift as revolutionary. ‘DNA testing is more sensitive and specific, reducing false negatives and enabling self-sampling, which boosts participation,’ said Dr. Priya Sharma, a leading oncologist. The government aims to scale this nationwide, training ASHA workers to facilitate community-level screening.
Funding allocations have surged, with the National Health Mission earmarking resources for vaccine procurement and lab infrastructure. Partnerships with international agencies like WHO and GAVI are accelerating supply chains.
Challenges persist, including vaccine hesitancy rooted in misinformation and rural access barriers. Public awareness campaigns via TV, social media, and local leaders are underway to build trust.
As India eyes elimination of cervical cancer by 2030, aligning with global WHO targets, these measures signal a bold commitment. Success hinges on sustained execution, equitable reach, and community buy-in. Early signs are encouraging, with vaccination coverage rising in targeted districts.