• HPV is a DNA virus that spreads via sexual contact and causes cervical cancer, and can affect other areas like the throat, skin, etc. 
  • No specific cure is available, but the vaccine exists.

Few Steps Taken to Counter HPV

  • WHO: ‘90-70-90‘ targets for 2030 to combat cervical cancer.
  • The Union government has proposed adding the HPV vaccine to the Universal Immunisation Programme.
  • India’s development of the indigenous quadrivalent vaccine, Cervavac
    • The vaccine has to be administered to adolescent girls before they are sexually active between the ages of 9 and 14 years. This is because the vaccine can only prevent the entry of the virus.
    • Screening from the age of 30 can detect cervical disease, which, when treated, also prevents cervical cancer.

Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases

  • AIDS
  • Hepatitis

 

Source: The Hindu

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