Universal Immunization Programme News Today

An impending crisis looms over Indias supply of injectable poliomyelitis vaccine (IPV) as French drugmaker Sanofi has shut down its manufacturing plants in the country, halting production of its IPV brand ShanIPV in December 2023. Sanofis closure has raised concerns about disruptions in Indias polio eradication efforts, as it catered to over 80% of the countrys IPV dose requirements.

Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine can protect against certain types of cervical cancer

Actress and model Poonam Pandey, known for her debut film Nasha and participation in Kangana Ranauts reality show Lock Upp, passed away at 32 due to cervical cancer. The shocking news has saddened the entertainment industry. Cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women and the second most common in India. It can be prevented with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine.

 India has a population of 511.4 million women aged 15 years and older who are at risk of developing cervical cancer. Cervical cancer ranks as the second most frequent cancer among women in India.

Sitharaman stated, "Our government will encourage vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 years as a preventive measure against cervical cancer" during her budget speech.

As per data from the HPV Information Centre, India faces a considerable risk of cervical cancer, with a population of 511.4 million women aged 15 years and older who are potentially susceptible to the disease

Tobacco smoking and HPV infections caused the highest number of preventable cancer deaths

Poor awareness, stigma due the sexual transmission of HPV and a delay in the government rollout of the vaccine are major reasons.

Creating awareness about cervical cancer, rolling out an HPV vaccine programme and improving access to treatment would help reduce deaths from the disease

This campaign plays a pivotal role in ensuring that routine immunisation services reach children and pregnant women who might have previously missed or