WHO prequalifies Serum’s Cervavac HPV vaccine
The World Health Organization has granted prequalification to Cervavac, the Serum Institute of India’s indigenous HPV vaccine against cervical cancer. The status took effect on September 25 and was announced this week.
WHO prequalification means the vaccine meets global standards for quality, safety and efficacy. It opens the door for UN agencies to buy Cervavac for immunisation programmes worldwide.
Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among Indian women. An affordable made-in-India vaccine could sharply expand protection.
The Serum Institute, the world’s largest vaccine maker, said the milestone recognises years of research. Health officials hope the move speeds up HPV vaccination across India and beyond.
India’s HPV vaccination drive has been expanding, with the government aiming to cover adolescent girls nationwide. Cervavac’s lower price could make that goal achievable.
The vaccine protects against the virus strains behind most cervical cancers. Doctors recommend it for girls aged 9 to 14.
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