Question : HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS HPV INFECTION

(a) whether Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection which causes cervical cancer is prevalent in the country, and if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise;

(b) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to prevent HPV infection in the country;

(c) whether the Government has invited proposal from the Indian pharmaceutical companies to develop and manufacture HPV vaccine in the country; and

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the modalities worked out to award the project only to the registered pharmaceutical companies?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

(a): Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has informed that prevalence of HPV infection in the country ranges from 3-7% in normal healthy women of age group>18 Years. Prevalence in certain high risk women (Commercial sex workers) is to the extent of 40%. However prevalence estimates vary from study to study depending upon the endpoints and the methodology used.

State-wise data on prevalence is not currently maintained.

(b) There are two HPV vaccines permitted by Drugs Controller General of India for import and marketing in the country namely:

(1) Cervarix manufactured by M/s GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals S.A., Belgium.

(2) Gardasil manufactured by M/s Merck Sharp and Dohme, Netherlands.

(c) & (d): No.