India crosses 80 lakh HPV vaccinations under nationwide campaign: Health Ministry

India has crossed the 80 lakh mark in HPV vaccinations as part of its nationwide campaign. The vaccination drive aims to protect 14-year-old girls against HPV infection and cervical cancer.

In Short

• Campaign launched nationwide on February 28 for girls aged 14 years
• HPV infection is linked to several cancers, including cervical cancer
• Vaccine helps prevent disease-causing HPV types and lowers cancer risk

India has crossed 80 lakh human papillomavirus, or HPV, vaccinations, marking another important milestone in the country's preventive healthcare efforts, the Union health ministry said on Friday.

The nationwide HPV vaccination campaign was launched on February 28 with the aim of vaccinating girls aged 14 years. The campaign focuses on protection against HPV infection, which is associated with several cancers, including cervical cancer.

The HPV vaccine plays an important role in preventing cervical cancer, which is one of the most common cancers affecting women. Vaccination can help protect against HPV infection and reduce the risk of developing HPV-related cancers.

INDIA CROSSES 80 LAKH HPV VACCINATIONS

According to the Union health ministry, India has now crossed the 80 lakh mark in HPV vaccinations under the nationwide campaign.

The milestone comes as the government continues its efforts to strengthen preventive healthcare and increase protection against HPV infection among eligible girls.

The vaccination campaign was launched across the country on February 28 for girls aged 14 years. The programme provides access to the HPV vaccine through government health facilities.

The campaign is focused on providing vaccination as part of preventive healthcare and improving protection against cervical cancer.

WHAT IS HPV AND WHY IS VACCINE IMPORTANT?

Human papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV, is a virus that can cause infections and is associated with certain types of cancer.

Some HPV infections can persist in the body and may lead to changes in cells. Certain types of HPV are linked to cervical cancer.

The HPV vaccine helps protect against infection with HPV types that can cause disease. Vaccination is therefore an important part of cervical cancer prevention.

Cervical cancer affects the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus. HPV infection is a major cause of cervical cancer.

WHO IS BEING VACCINATED UNDER THE CAMPAIGN?

The nationwide HPV vaccination campaign is aimed at girls aged 14 years.

The government has made the vaccine available free of cost at government health facilities as part of the campaign.

The vaccination programme is intended to provide eligible girls with access to HPV vaccination through the public healthcare system.

WHERE IS THE HPV VACCINE AVAILABLE?

The single-dose Gardasil 4 vaccine is being administered free of cost at government health facilities, according to the Union health ministry.

These include Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, primary health centres, community health centres, sub district hospitals, district hospitals and government medical colleges.

This network of government healthcare facilities allows eligible girls to access the vaccination through the public health system.

HPV VACCINATION AND CERVICAL CANCER PREVENTION

The HPV vaccine is an important tool in preventing cervical cancer because it helps protect against HPV infection.

The health ministry said the vaccination campaign is part of efforts to strengthen preventive healthcare and protection against HPV infection and associated cancers.

Crossing 80 lakh vaccinations marks a significant milestone in the ongoing nationwide campaign for 14-year-old girls.

The availability of the single-dose Gardasil 4 vaccine free of cost at government health facilities is part of the government's vaccination programme.

With HPV vaccination playing an important role in cervical cancer prevention, the nationwide campaign aims to provide eligible girls with protection against HPV infection at an early stage.

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