India Set to Roll Out Nationwide HPV Vaccination Program

India is launching a national HPV vaccination program to combat rising cancer rates. The initiative targets girls aged 9-16 years and involves the medical community's active participation. This move aims to reduce cervical cancer incidence, alongside advancements in cancer research and treatment affordability.

India is on the brink of launching a nationwide HPV vaccination program, a year after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the initiative in Parliament. The program primarily targets girls aged 9-16 years to curb rising cancer rates.

Dr. Sudeep Gupta of Tata Memorial Hospital emphasized the medical community's role in distributing the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, set to be included in the national agenda. Reports indicate ongoing trials and near-completion of research on the vaccine, promising availability within six months.

The upcoming HPV vaccine aims to prevent HPV infections that can cause cervical cancer, the second most prevalent cancer among Indian women. Its rigorous testing suggests it could drastically reduce cervical cancer burdens. Dr. Gupta also highlighted strides in cancer detection and treatment, including molecular pathology's 90-95% accuracy and potential tax reductions on treatment costs.

(With inputs from agencies.)