UPSC Notes

Cervical Cancer Prevention & HPV Vaccination in India

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Addresses a major public health issue, highlights the government's role in preventive healthcare, showcases challenges in implementing welfare schemes, and touches upon social determinants of health and women's health.

Cervical cancer is a significant public health challenge in India, being the second most common cancer among Indian women. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for nearly 95% of cervical cancer cases, making vaccination a crucial preventive measure.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

India's Burden

Bears a quarter of the global cervical cancer burden, with over 1.2 lakh new cases and 80,000 deaths annually.

Primary Cause

Nearly 95% of cases are caused by high-risk HPV strains.

Government Initiative

Government of India launched a nationwide campaign on Feb 28, 2026, providing free HPV vaccinations to 1.15 crore girls aged 14-15 years.

Challenges

Low awareness, social stigma around sexual health, gender bias, and vaccine hesitancy.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaPublic Health
Conceptual areaWomen's Health

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Government of IndiaImplements
Mandsaur District AdministrationImplements
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Policy measures

Quick revision

  • Cervical cancer: 2nd most common among Indian women, high global burden.
  • HPV: Primary cause (95%), vaccine offers significant prevention.
  • GoI campaign: Free HPV vaccination for 14-15 year old girls.
  • Challenges: Awareness, stigma, gender bias, hesitancy.
  • Mandsaur model: Data-driven, decentralised, adaptive strategy.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Public HealthWomen's Health

A shot at life, Mandsaur’s model for HPV vaccination

03 Jul 2026 · India faces a high burden of cervical cancer, largely preventable by HPV vaccination. The government's nationwide free vaccination campaign aims to address this, tackling challenges like low awareness and social stigma through targeted strategies.

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Related topics

Current topic

Cervical Cancer Prevention & HPV Vaccination in India

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Cervical Cancer Prevention & HPV Vaccination in India in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Cervical Cancer Prevention & HPV Vaccination in India

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