Context: Mandsaur HPV vaccination model
The Mandsaur district in Madhya Pradesh achieved nearly 100% HPV vaccination coverage in the first phase through community participation, school-based outreach and digital tracking.
The editorial presents it as a replicable model for cervical cancer prevention.
Human Papillomavirus
HPV is a group of viruses transmitted mainly through sexual contact.
High-risk HPV types can cause cervical cancer.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in India.
It is preventable through:
- HPV vaccination
- Regular screening
- Early diagnosis
- Timely treatment
HPV Vaccination
HPV vaccine protects against high-risk HPV strains that can cause cervical cancer.
Target Group
The vaccination is generally focused on adolescent girls before exposure to HPV infection.
Mandsaur Model: Key Features
1. Community Mobilisation
Local administration, health workers, teachers, parents and community leaders worked together to build trust.
2. School-Based Campaign
Schools became the main delivery platform for reaching adolescent girls.
3. Digital Tracking
Digital tools were used to:
- Track eligible girls
- Monitor vaccination coverage
- Identify missed beneficiaries
- Ensure follow-up
4. Counselling and Awareness
Awareness campaigns helped address:
- Vaccine hesitancy
- Myths around HPV
- Cultural concerns
- Safety doubts
5. Convergence Approach
The model involved coordination among:
- Health department
- Education department
- District administration
- Schools
- Community networks
Why This Model Matters
- Prevents cervical cancer.
- Reduces future mortality and health burden.
- Promotes gender-sensitive public health.
- Supports adolescent health.
- Shows how district-level governance can improve vaccination coverage.
- Builds trust through community participation.
Challenges in HPV Vaccination
- Vaccine hesitancy
- Cultural stigma
- Misinformation
- Lack of awareness
- School dropouts
- Follow-up gaps
- Limited access in rural areas
Way Forward
- Scale up the Mandsaur model across districts.
- Strengthen school-based vaccination.
- Use ASHA and Anganwadi workers for mobilisation.
- Run awareness campaigns for parents.
- Use digital dashboards for real-time tracking.
- Integrate HPV vaccination with adolescent health programmes.
- Ensure vaccine availability and cold-chain readiness.
Mains Value Addition
This example can be used in answers on:
- Preventive healthcare
- Women’s health
- Cervical cancer prevention
- Public health governance
- Vaccine hesitancy
- Community participation
- District-level innovation
- Social sector delivery
