West Bengal launched a statewide HPV vaccination campaign targeting 7.65 lakh girls aged 14 years. The free programme aims to prevent cervical cancer through a single-dose Gardasil-4 vaccine, with vaccinations being administered across government health facilities under the national immunisation initiative
India’s proposed nationwide free HPV vaccination drive for girls aged 9 to 15 is significant, as its success could dramatically accelerate cervical cancer elimination targets globally
The HPV vaccine, widely known for preventing cervical cancer, also significantly reduces the risk of precancerous vulvar and vaginal lesions, particularly when administered at a younger age, according to a large Swedish cohort study published in JAMA Oncology.
Sitharaman emphasised the government's plans to set up more medical colleges and said that the government aims to serve the people through improved healthcare services.
