Why is it in the news?
Union Health Ministry to launch nationwide HPV vaccination programme targeting girls aged 14 years.
Category: Science and Technology
Important Points:
● Most common sexually transmitted infection (STI)
● More than 100 types of HPV identified
● Over 95% of cervical cancer caused by HPV
● Spread through skin-to-skin sexual contact
● About 80% people get infected at some point
● No cure for HPV infection
● Vaccine prevents infections leading to cancer or genital warts
● Most effective when given between 9–26 years
● Not administered during pregnancy