New Delhi: The Union government’s free vaccination programme aimed at preventing cervical cancer has reached three lakh girls within two weeks, officials said.
The nationwide drive for 14-year-old girls was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 28 in Rajasthan. Under the programme, a single dose of the “Gardasil 4” vaccine is being administered to protect against HPV (human papillomavirus) types linked to cervical cancer.
Vaccination camps are being conducted at government health centres, including primary health centres. The initiative has also received appreciation from the United Nations, according to the report.
Union health officials said the vaccine plays a key role in preventing cervical cancer, a commonly seen cancer among women. Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha and Mizoram are among the states leading in coverage.
Despite school examinations underway in many areas, the camps have seen a good response. Officials said the pace is expected to pick up further once exams conclude.
