India, March 30 -- The recent launch of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine programme by the Prime Minister in Ajmer is a cherished milestone in India's public health approach to cervical cancer prevention.

India has a long history of eradicating and eliminating serious disease burdens through well-planned and well-executed campaigns. From the eradication of smallpox in the 1950s to the more recent Pulse Polio drives, these campaigns were designed for success. That same discipline and public trust will now determine the success of HPV vaccination.

The Indian Cancer Society has long been concerned about the devastation caused by cervical cancer. The statistics on files represent real women to the Society. Families fall apart with the...