Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Dec 17: Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, has asserted that the Cervical Cancer Vaccine crafted in India is both cost-effective and highly efficient.
While expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for initiating Mission “Suraksha” during the Covid crisis and fully endorsing the government’s vaccination efforts, the Minister praised the Department of Biotechnology within the Ministry of Science & Technology for developing this unique Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, which is quadrivalent and thus provides significant protection against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18, all closely linked to Cervical Cancer in women. He pointed out that the same department had previously received international acclaim for creating the first DNA vaccine for Covid during the pandemic.
In an exclusive interview at a Health Conclave organized by NDTV at Hotel Hyatt, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that the Quadrivalent HPV Vaccine is a significant benefit for the Indian population, where nearly one lakh women die annually from Cervical Cancer, with over 90% of these cases linked to HPV infections.
Dr. Jitendra Singh strongly advocated for the adoption of the HPV Vaccine, noting that its administration follows a straightforward two-dose regimen for girls under 15 years and a three-dose regimen for those older than 15.
During his speech at the “Together Against HPV” conclave, the Minister emphasized India’s progress in preventive healthcare, women’s health, and the development of local vaccines. He shed light on the ongoing national battle against cervical cancer, which poses a major health obstacle.
The Union Minister highlighted the transformative changes in India’s healthcare system under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing the country’s accomplishments in creating indigenous vaccines, including the Quadrivalent HPV vaccine. He mentioned that India has gained global recognition for its preventive healthcare measures and that the local HPV vaccine is both affordable and essential for combating cervical cancer, a disease threatening nearly 450-500 million women across India each year.
Dr. Jitendra Singh elaborated on the vaccine’s development supported by the Department of Biotechnology, explaining that the Quadrivalent HPV vaccine targets four significant HPV types, thus greatly reducing the risk of cervical cancer. He noted that India has experienced a cultural shift towards greater awareness and prioritization of preventive health practices.
Calling for intersectoral collaboration, the Minister emphasized the necessity of a unified approach that includes public and private sectors, NGOs, and academic institutions to strengthen the healthcare system. He reiterated that focusing on women’s health is crucial to achieving India’s vision for 2047, marking women-led development as a key national objective.
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