Context:
The Government has set out a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for girls between 9 to 14 years to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer.
About Cervical Cancer:
- It occurs in the cells of the cervix the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina).
- Common sexually transmitted infection
- Caused by infection with the HPV
- Preventable and curable if detected early and managed effectively.
- 2nd most common cancer in women in India after Breast cancer
- It kills one women every eight minutes in India
India accounts for about a 5th of the world’s cervical cancer cases.
About CERVAVAC:
- 1st quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine (qHPV) vaccine of India
- To protect women against cervical cancer.
- Vaccine is based on VLP (virus like particles), similar to the hepatitis B vaccine.
- Provides protection by generating antibodies against the HPV virus’ L1 protein.
About HPV (Human papillomavirus):
- Most common viral infection of the reproductive tract.
- Transmission – direct sexual contact.
- Types of HPV vaccines –
- Quadrivalent vaccine
- Bivalent vaccine
- Non valent vaccine
Source: The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2016 Prelims]
(a) immunization of children and pregnant women
(b) construction of smart cities across the country
(c) India’s own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space
(d) New Educational Policy
Answer: (a)
