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In the realm of New Delhi, the candidacy of thespian Poonam Pandey as the governmental campaign’s ambassador for raising awareness about cervical cancer is presently off the table, according to officials from the Union health ministry on Wednesday.
This elucidation surfaces subsequent to rumblings that Ms. Pandey might assume the mantle of the campaign’s face, with her and her team reportedly engaged in discussions with ministry officials.
In the bygone month, the airwaves buzzed with news of Ms. Pandey’s purported demise due to the ailment, sparking fervent discussions across social media. Subsequently, it was revealed that the news was spurious, a calculated ploy by the actor and her team to disseminate “crucial awareness” about cervical cancer.
In a video disseminated on her official Instagram page on February 3, Ms. Pandey conveyed, “I find it imperative to disclose something of consequence to you all – I am present, alive.” She added, “Cervical cancer didn’t claim me, but regrettably, it has snuffed out the lives of thousands of women due to a dearth of knowledge on combatting this affliction,” the 32-year-old articulated.
“Cervical cancer, unlike some malignancies, is wholly preventable. The crux lies in the HPV vaccine and early detection examinations. We possess the means to ensure no one succumbs to this ailment.
“Let’s embolden each other with critical awareness and guarantee every woman is apprised of the requisite measures. Collectively, let’s endeavor to terminate the calamitous repercussions of the ailment and usher in #DeathToCervicalCancer,” she inscribed.
Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her interim budget address, affirmed the government’s commitment to advocating the vaccination of girls aged 9-14 years to avert cervical cancer.
Last month, the Union health ministry underscored its vigilant monitoring of cervical cancer incidences nationwide, maintaining regular communication with states and various health departments.
In June 2022, the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization proposed the incorporation of the HPV vaccine into universal immunization, with a one-time catch-up for 9-14-year-old adolescent girls, followed by routine introduction at nine years, as disclosed in the Rajya Sabha in March.
India shelters about 16% of the global female populace, yet shoulders approximately a quarter of all cervical cancer cases and nearly a third of global fatalities from cervical cancer.
Indian women confront a 1.6% lifetime cumulative risk of developing cervical cancer and a 1% cumulative risk of succumbing to it, as per official statements.
Recent approximations suggest that almost 80,000 women in India are afflicted with cervical cancer annually, with 35,000 succumbing to the malady.
Presently, the Serum Institute’s indigenous cervical cancer vaccine, CERVAVAC, is accessible in the private market at around ₹2,000 per dose. MSD Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck Sharp and Dohme, continues vending its HPV vaccine Gardasil 4 (quadrivalent vaccine) in India, presently priced at ₹3,927 per dose.