Why it is in the news
Serum Institute of India’s (SII) recombinant quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus (qHPV) vaccine, Cervavac, has received World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification. The vaccine targets HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 and is indicated for girls and boys aged 9–26. Listed on WHO’s prequalified vaccines register with effect from 25 September 2026 and announced by SII on 5 October 2026, it can now be procured by UN agencies such as UNICEF. Cervavac was developed with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the Gates Foundation.
The exam angle
Issue: Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable, yet India carries about a quarter of global deaths; prequalification of an indigenous vaccine improves supply, but elimination needs vaccination, screening and treatment together.