Andhra Pradesh Initiates Free HPV Vaccination Campaign to Combat Cervical Cancer
In a significant public health initiative, the Andhra Pradesh government has announced the launch of a free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme aimed at protecting approximately 3.45 lakh girls aged 14 years across the state. The campaign, set to commence from Saturday, represents a proactive step in the fight against cervical cancer, which has been a leading cause of female mortality in the region.
Official Launch and Implementation Details
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will formally inaugurate the HPV vaccination drive at Cheepurupalli in Vizianagaram district. According to an official release issued on Friday, Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav outlined that the programme will be executed through a network of 1,645 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Urban Health Centres, all equipped with necessary cold storage facilities to ensure vaccine efficacy.
The state government has allocated Rs 14.11 crore for this initiative, with the medical and health department making extensive arrangements for its effective rollout. Vaccinations will be administered not only at PHCs and UPHCs but also at Community Health Centres (CHCs), area hospitals, district hospitals, and Government General Hospitals (GGHs) throughout Andhra Pradesh.
Vaccination Schedule and Beneficiary Distribution
The vaccination drive is scheduled to continue for approximately three months, with district-wise timetables prepared in accordance with Government of India guidelines. Among the eligible beneficiaries, Kurnool district leads with 23,957 girls, while Polavaram district has the lowest count at 2,777 recipients.
To support the campaign, the state has received an initial supply of 1.90 lakh vaccination doses, each of 0.5 ml, covering HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 19. Health Minister Yadav assured that additional doses will be supplied based on demand, ensuring no eligible child is left unprotected.
Safety Protocols and Digital Monitoring
Emphasising safety, officials have mandated prior parental consent before vaccine administration, and all vaccinated beneficiaries will be issued certificates. The vaccination details will be recorded in real-time on the U-WIN digital platform, enhancing transparency and tracking.
A state-level control room will centrally monitor the entire programme, with coordination from the education, women and child welfare, and other allied departments. In case of any adverse events, citizens can contact the 24-hour health helpline at 104 for immediate assistance.
Urgency Driven by Alarming Cancer Statistics
The initiative comes against the backdrop of concerning cancer data from the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP). Between 2021 and 2025, Andhra Pradesh reported 75,000 new cancer cases, with an average of nearly 30,000 cancer-related deaths annually. Specifically, 38,055 women died due to breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers during this period.
Health Minister Yadav highlighted that cervical cancer alone accounted for 31% of cancer-related female deaths in the past five years, underscoring the critical need for preventive measures. Cervical cancer, primarily caused by HPV, is the second most common cancer among women in India, most prevalent in those aged 15–44 years.
Vaccine Safety and Public Assurance
On the occasion, officials reassured the public about the safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine. They noted that mild side effects, such as pain at the injection site or low-grade fever, may occur but typically subside within two days. As a precaution, all beneficiaries will be observed for 30 minutes post-vaccination before being discharged.
This comprehensive vaccination programme marks a pivotal effort in reducing cervical cancer incidence and saving lives, aligning with broader public health goals in Andhra Pradesh.
