Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, March 8: In a major push towards women’s health, deputy commissioner (DC) Swaroopa T K announced that the national HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination campaign aimed at preventing cervical cancer among young girls will be launched in the district on March 13.
Presiding over a task force committee meeting at the DC office video conference hall in Manipal, the DC stated that the vaccine will be administered free of cost at all government health centres across the district.
Target group and campaign details
The campaign specifically targets girls who have completed 14 years of age but are below 15. The district has set a goal to vaccinate 11,274 eligible girls. A single 0.5 ml dose will be administered during this phase.
"Cervical cancer is a preventable disease. By receiving the HPV vaccine at the right age, women can be protected from this life-threatening condition. While the vaccination is voluntary, the consent of parents or guardians is mandatory," the DC explained.
The drive will continue for three months at all primary health centres, community health centres, taluk hospitals, and mother and child hospitals.
Official launch and efficacy
Udupi MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, who also attended the meeting, informed that the campaign will be officially inaugurated on March 13 morning at the Udupi Board High School. He emphasised that the vaccine has shown a high efficacy rate of 93% in preventing the virus that causes cervical cancer.
"The national-level launch took place on February 28. Over the next three months, the vaccine will be available at all government facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. We must create widespread awareness to ensure every eligible girl benefits from this," the MP urged.
Future phases
While the first phase focuses on the 14-15 age bracket, officials noted that age criteria may be revised in subsequent phases. Furthermore, the health department plans to organise health check-up camps for middle-aged women in the coming days to ensure early detection and comprehensive care.
Zilla panchayat deputy secretary S S Kadrolli, district health and family welfare officer Basavaraj G Hubli, district surgeon Dr Ashok, and RCH officer Jyotsna B K were present at the meeting.