HPV infection: in need of timely intervention

Persistent infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) has been proved beyond doubt to be associated with the development of cervical cancer. One woman dies of cervical cancer every 8 minutes in India. As per estimations for the year 2018, about 96922 new cervical cancer cases are diagnosed annually in India and it ranks as the second most common female cancer in all age groups. But being an infectious cause it is possible to contain its development and transmission. Coupled with this, we have a potent vaccine to fight this infection. A well documented account of positive impact of HPV vaccination has been published in numerous studies around the globe. By 2013, its vaccination had been introduced in about fifty countries around the globe. In India also, recently, two HPV vaccination projects for operational feasibility were launched in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. In November 2016, Punjab became the first state in the country to include the vaccine in its universal immunization program. This era belongs to women empowerment and we cannot deny them the opportunity of good health. Hence it’s high time India introduces an effective HPV vaccination program.