CERVICAL CANCER
Why in news :
- Recently, the National Technical Advisory Group for Immunisation (NTAGI) had recommended the introduction of the Hu man Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).
- This vaccine is used for the prevention of cervical cancer in girls.
What is Cervical cancer?
- Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
Cervical Cancer
- Cervical cancer is caused by infection with the human papillomavirus and India accounts for 21% of cases and 23% of deaths occurring in the world.
- HPV is transmitted from one person to other through different modes.
- Cervical cancer is preventable and curable if it is detected early and managed effectively.
Recent Government’s decision regarding vaccine programme :-
- The indigenous HPV vaccine, called CERVAVAC, has been cleared by the DGCI and is likely to be rolled out by mid -2023.
- Vaccine will be given to girls aged between 9 and 14 years through schools.
- Non-schooling girls will be given the vaccines by community outreach and mobile health teams.
- Apart from vaccines, screening programmes need to be conducted regularly to detect early signs of disease.
IMPORTANCE OF VACCINE :
- According to the study conducted by The Lancet, “more than 58% of all cases of cervical cancer and deaths globally were estimated in Asia”.
- India accounting for 21% of cases and 23% of deaths.
- It is the second most common cancer in women in India, and the cause of a large number of deaths annually.
- The incidence rate in India is 18 per 1,00,000 women. While, WHO has specified less than 4 new cases per 1,00,000 women by 2030.
CHALLENGES :
- Substantial geographical and socioeconomic inequalities remains high in Asia and Africa.
- Low levels of human development.
- The incidence of cervical cancer is inversely proportional to the human development index of countries.
About Universal Immunisation Programme :
- Immunization Programme in India was introduced in 1978 as ‘Expanded Programme of Immunization’ (EPI) by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
- In 1985, the programme was modified as ‘Universal Immunization Programme’ (UIP) to be implemented in phased manner to cover all districts in the country by 1989-90 with the one of largest health programme in the world.
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India provides several vaccines to infants, children and pregnant women through the Universal Immunisation Programme.
- The programme consists of vaccination for 12 diseases- tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, hepatitis B, diarrhoea, Japanese encephalitis, rubella, pneumonia (haemophilus influenzae type B) and Pneumococcal diseases (pneumococcal pneumonia and meningitis).
- Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is one of the largest public health programmes targeting close of 2.67 crore newborns and 2.9 crore pregnant women annually.
- It is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions and largely responsible for reduction of vaccine preventable under-5 mortality rate.
Syllabus : Prelims + Mains; GS3- Science and Technology (Health)
