Blog

Prachi S. Mehta: Life-saving potential of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer

Prachi S. Mehta/Linkedin

Mar 24, 2025, 18:23

Prachi S. Mehta: Life-saving potential of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer

Prachi S. Mehta, Consultant at Bhaktivedanta Hospital and Research Institute, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Today, I had the privilege of speaking at our Cancer Support Group Meeting, emphasizing the life-saving potential of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer.

In India, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, with approximately 123,907 new cases and 77,348 deaths annually – a statistic we must urgently address.

The good news? Cervical cancer is preventable! India has made remarkable progress with the introduction of CERVAVAC, our first indigenous quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Launched in 2023 at an affordable price of around ₹2000 per dose, it has the potential to transform the fight against HPV-related cancers.

Individuals between ages 9-26 years of either gender should take at least 1 dose of HPV vaccine (up to 45 years may also get vaccinated with 3 doses after discussing with their physician).

Despite medical advancements, several barriers still hinder widespread vaccination:

Low awareness about HPV and its link to cancer
Cultural taboos around
Limited vaccine access in rural areas
Financial constraints affecting affordability for all

To bridge these gaps, we must leverage India’s strong immunization infrastructure, much like we did with COVID-19.

Some key strategies include:

School-based vaccination programs for adolescent girls and boys
National awareness campaigns to break myths and misconceptions
Stronger policy advocacy for inclusion in routine immunization
Training healthcare workers, especially in underserved areas

The vision of a cervical cancer-free India is within reach, but it requires collective effort, awareness, and action. Let’s empower communities with knowledge and ensure every eligible individual has access to this life-saving vaccine.

Have you or your organization been involved in HPV vaccine advocacy? Let’s collaborate to drive change!”

cervical cancer