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India’s Free HPV Campaign Vaccinates Eight Million Girls
India is giving free HPV vaccines to 14-year-old girls.
HPV is a virus that can sometimes cause cervical cancer later in life.
About eight million girls have received the vaccine in the first six months.
That is around two out of every three eligible girls.
The programme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February.
Girls receive one dose at government health facilities with permission from a parent.
Some states have vaccinated nearly everyone eligible, while others have reached only about half.
Officials say the programme must continue to reach girls and improve awareness across the country.
India has vaccinated eight million 14-year-old girls against HPV, reaching two-thirds of the roughly 12 million eligible girls.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the free, voluntary, single-dose campaign in February to help prevent cervical cancer.
Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram reported 100% vaccination among eligible girls, according to the health ministry.
Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Assam exceeded 90% coverage, while Karnataka reached 85%; Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur and Uttarakhand covered about half.
Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of vaccinations, with more than 2.2 million girls receiving the vaccine.
- Who
- The Government of India and health authorities are vaccinating 14-year-old girls, with parental consent.
- What
- A free, voluntary, single-dose HPV vaccination campaign has reached eight million girls.
- Where
- The programme is being delivered through government health facilities across India.
- When
- The campaign was launched in February and reported six-month progress on Friday.
- Why
- The vaccination is intended to prevent HPV-related cervical cancer and improve access for girls regardless of income.
Key facts
- Vaccinations delivered
- Eight million 14-year-old girls
- Estimated eligible population
- Roughly 12 million girls
- Coverage achieved
- Approximately two-thirds of eligible girls
- Dose policy
- Voluntary, free, single dose with parental consent
- Highest state total
- Uttar Pradesh, with more than 2.2 million girls vaccinated
- States reporting 100% coverage
- Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram
- Cervical cancer burden
- Studies cited in the article estimate 90,000 new cases and 40,000 deaths annually in India
Quotes
Dhaduk Nehal Kantibhai
Gynaecologist with PB Health, a hospital in Gurgaon
“Early vaccination acts as primary prevention, addressing the cause of the disease long before oncogenesis begins. We need to sustain this momentum in the years to come.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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