Asian Research & Training Institute for Skill Transfer (ARTIST), which aims to improve the capabilities and competencies of Obstetrics & Gynaecologists (ObGyns) is now gearing up for a campaign on  institutionalisation of HPV vaccination programme to contain cervical cancer in India. In this regard it is now also working to enhance capacity building of frontline health workers.

As incidences of the life-threatening cervical cancer is on the rise, next only to breast cancer in India, top healthcare experts unveiled nationwide campaign seeking to institutionalise vaccination against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) for girls in the age group of 9-13 years.

ARTIST is exploring the use of digital technology to reach as far and as many in spreading awareness. By training staff nurses, counselors, health educators and clinical assistants on competency based-activities spanning from lifestyle to emergency care, we intend to strengthen this cadre through effective capacity building programmes, said Dr. Hema Divakar, FOGSI Ambassador to FIGO (Federation of International Gynaecologists and Obstetricians).

The ARTIST survey showed that an urban population of 80 per cent are aware of vaccine against cervical cancer and can afford to take it and think it is safe, but only 18 per cent have actually taken the vaccine. Though the three-dose vaccination for primary prevention of cervical cancer could be a bit expensive, it can be subsidized. At the same time, families that can afford the vaccination should opt for it, she added.

Aareness on cervical cancer is on the rise with the Delhi government commencing HPV vaccination programme for adolescent girls in government schools. “India recently received $500 million aid from GAVI, an international vaccine alliance, for rolling out a range of vaccines, including HPV vaccine. Three doses of the cervical cancer vaccine: two varieties are currently available in India  are essential for immunity to HPV.

“The cost of each dose, after negotiations between GAVI and vaccine manufacturers, has been reduced to less than $5. The government wants to introduce the HPV vaccine, at least on a pilot basis, as soon as possible,” she said.

Dr. Isaac Manyonda, gynaecologist, St. George’s Hospital, London, and scientific director of ARTIST, pointed out that India is well-positioned to roll out the vaccination programme. “A foolproof cancer programme is also necessitated. Unlike many other cancers, cervical cancer occurs early and strikes at the productive period of a woman's life,” he noted.

Dr. Harshad Sanghvi, vice-president & medical director-innovation development, JHPIEGO, Baltimore Maryland USA, said the plan to have screening programme, under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS), has not quite taken off, more than five years after it was started. Therefore ‘Gift Your Daughter Good Health – a mother daughter initiative’ where the mothers are screened and daughters are vaccinated with the HPV vaccine as measures for primary and secondary prevention against cervical cancer, would be a good approach.