Telangana Launches Free HPV Vaccination Drive for Adolescent Girls to Combat Cervical Cancer
In a significant public health initiative, the state of Telangana is set to launch a comprehensive human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program targeting adolescent girls aged 14 and 15. This statewide effort aims to provide protection against cervical cancer, which has been showing a concerning upward trend in recent years.
Free Vaccination Program with Nationwide Support
The vaccination drive forms part of the central health ministry's nationwide HPV vaccination program and will be offered completely free of charge to eligible girls. This represents a crucial intervention, as the vaccine typically costs between ₹2,000 and ₹4,000 per dose in the private sector, creating financial barriers for many families.
The voluntary nature of the program ensures equal access across all socioeconomic groups, making preventive healthcare more inclusive and accessible to vulnerable populations who might otherwise be unable to afford this critical protection.
Comprehensive Preparations and Vaccine Details
State officials have confirmed that the rollout is expected to begin by the end of February or in early March. Telangana has already procured 4.6 lakh doses of the quadrivalent Gardasil 4 vaccine, which provides protection against four of the most common cancer-causing strains of the virus: HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18.
The vaccine will be administered at primary health centers and other public health facilities throughout the state. "We have completed all the logistical preparations, including training medical personnel and stocking vaccine doses. Now we are awaiting official approval from the Centre," said a government official involved in the program.
The official further explained that "bulk procurement of the vaccine is part of our strategy to combat the growing burden of cervical cancer" in Telangana.
Extensive Training and Capacity Building
To ensure the successful implementation of this ambitious program, the health department has conducted extensive training sessions for healthcare professionals across the state:
- 1,200 medical officers
- 2,600 mid-level health providers
- 1,850 supervisors
- 7,000 auxiliary nurse midwives
- 2,000 other staff members
This comprehensive training initiative demonstrates the state government's commitment to building robust healthcare infrastructure capable of delivering this vital preventive service effectively.
The Growing Burden of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer represents a significant public health challenge across India, where it ranks as the second most common cancer among women after breast cancer. Approximately 1.27 lakh new cervical cancer cases are reported annually nationwide, compared to around 1.92 lakh breast cancer cases.
Data presented in the Lok Sabha earlier this year reveals a steady upward trend in cervical cancer cases specifically in Telangana from 2021 to 2025:
- Cervical cancer cases increased from 3,169 in 2021 to 3,233 in 2025
- Cervical cancer mortality rose from 1,711 deaths in 2021 to 1,746 deaths in 2025
Medical Experts Emphasize Preventive Importance
Senior government gynaecologist Dr. Hema Latha emphasized the critical importance of the HPV vaccine for protecting young girls against future health risks. "The HPV vaccine is crucial for protecting young girls in the future, as symptoms of cervical cancer often appear late and infection typically occurs after sexual exposure, often after marriage," she explained.
Dr. Latha further noted that "administering the vaccine to adolescent girls builds immunity before exposure. It also helps to prevent other HPV-related cancers, including anal, vaginal, vulvar and penile cancers, thereby significantly reducing future cancer cases."
This preventive approach represents a forward-thinking strategy that addresses health risks before they manifest, potentially saving countless lives and reducing the long-term healthcare burden associated with cervical cancer treatment.
