PM Modi Talks To Bill Gates About His Target Of Vaccinating Indian Girls For Cervical Cancer

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent conversation with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, has addressed the issue of cervical cancer in the country. While talking to the businessman, philanthropist, and investor, PM Modi said that the government is planning to get the cervical cancer vaccine for all girls in India. PM Modi also discussed with Bill Gates his future planning of allocating funds to the scientists of the country aiming to research cervical cancer, once the election results are in favour. He said, “In the future, I plan to allocate funds for cervical cancer research, targeting young girls. My goal is to vaccinate all girls in our country at a minimal cost, ensuring that they are protected from cancer. This is the direction I am currently working in.”

In the Interim Budget 2024 on February 1, the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned cervical cancer. She said that the Modi government will actively promote vaccination among girls aged between 9 to 14 to prevent cervical cancer beforehand.

A senior consultant of the gynaecology and oncology department at Apollo Hospital in Indraprastha, New Delhi, Dr Sarika Gupta told New18 that to be protected from cervical cancer, all girls aged 9-14 should get vaccinated with HPV. This will shield against cancer up to 98 per cent. On getting vaccinated, the immunity of these young girls will be boosted rapidly and the risk of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) will be reduced.

Dr Gupta also mentioned that 90 percent of cervical cancers are caused by HPV viruses only. A single dose of the vaccine is considered to be sufficient for girls up to 14 years of age. The ones aged 15 or above are required to take two to three doses of HPV vaccine. This vaccine is most effective up to 26 years and is less effective thereafter.

One dose of the HPV vaccine in a private hospital is priced at Rs 2000, while the price of the imported vaccine is up to Rs 3500. The central government is planning to run a campaign to vaccinate girls under this age bar. Through campaigning, the vaccines will be made easily available.