New Delhi: India’s nationwide drive to prevent cervical and related cancers by vaccinating girls below 14 years has crossed the 8 million mark, according to the Union Health Ministry.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination programme on February 28. The initiative focuses on protecting girls from cancers linked to HPV, including cervical cancer.
Vaccination facilities have been arranged across primary health centres, district government hospitals and government medical college hospitals. A single-dose vaccine, Gardasil-4, is being provided free of cost, with parental consent mandatory.
The government estimates the programme will benefit around 12 million girls. The Health Ministry said Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram have achieved 100% of their targets.
Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Assam have reached about 90% coverage, while Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Telangana have crossed 60%, the ministry added.
