Andhra Pradesh To Begin Free HPV Vaccination Drive On February 28
Statewide initiative aims to expand cervical cancer prevention through free immunisation.
N. Chandrababu Naidu is set to launch a statewide free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive on February 28, in a major public health initiative aimed at preventing cervical cancer among adolescent girls.
The programme, to be rolled out across government health facilities and selected educational institutions, is expected to target girls in the recommended age group of 9 to 14 years. Health officials said the campaign will focus on increasing awareness about cervical cancer prevention while ensuring equitable access to the HPV vaccine, particularly for families in rural and economically weaker sections.
HPV is a common viral infection transmitted through intimate contact and is known to be a leading cause of cervical cancer. According to global health data, vaccination during early adolescence significantly reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer later in life. India accounts for a substantial proportion of global cervical cancer cases, making preventive strategies such as vaccination and regular screening critical components of public health policy.
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State health authorities indicated that the initiative would be supported by awareness campaigns involving schools, community health workers, and local governance bodies. Cold-chain logistics and vaccine distribution systems have reportedly been put in place to ensure safe storage and timely administration across districts. The drive is also expected to align with broader national immunisation goals and cancer prevention strategies.
The launch of the free HPV vaccination campaign reflects Andhra Pradesh’s emphasis on preventive healthcare and women’s health initiatives. Officials said further details regarding district-level implementation and enrolment procedures would be issued ahead of the February 28 rollout, with the government aiming for high coverage in the initial phase of the programme.
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