Does India need an indigenous HPV vaccine and why?

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Vaccinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death among Indian women.
• Existing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are highly effective but prohibitively expensive for the majority.
• The high cost of HPV vaccines limits their accessibility and impact on disease burden.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical need for affordable Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in India.
• To advocate for the development and domestic manufacturing of an indigenous HPV vaccine.
• To explore interim strategies for enhancing vaccine accessibility and affordability.

Main Methods:

• This study presents an argument based on the current public health challenges in India.
• It reviews the existing landscape of HPV vaccines and their cost implications.
• It explores potential long-term and short-term solutions for vaccine accessibility.

Main Results:

• Current HPV vaccines are unaffordable for the vast majority of the Indian population.
• Developing a domestic HPV vaccine is proposed as a sustainable solution to bridge the price gap.
• Various interim strategies can improve vaccine accessibility and affordability.

Conclusions:

• Affordable Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is essential to combat cervical cancer in India.
• India's long-term strategy should involve indigenous HPV vaccine development and manufacturing.
• Immediate measures are needed to increase the accessibility and affordability of life-saving HPV vaccines.