The Maharashtra state health department is set to launch a significant public health initiative: a free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive for adolescent girls across the state, commencing in January of next year. This ambitious program directly follows through on the commitment made by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the 2024 budget announcement to provide free HPV vaccines to girls in the 9-14 age bracket.
A Crucial Shield Against Cervical Cancer
This vaccination drive targets a major health threat for women in India. HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer, which stands as one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women nationwide. By immunizing girls before they are likely to be exposed to the virus, which is primarily through sexual contact, the program aims to provide long-term protection and significantly reduce the future burden of this deadly disease.
Statewide Rollout After Successful Pilot
The upcoming statewide expansion follows a controlled pilot phase conducted in recent months, where selected government school students received the vaccine. Dr. Sandeep Sangle, the joint director of the family welfare department, confirmed the broader rollout. "The vaccines will be distributed as soon as we receive the orders from the Centre and will be available free of cost at all public health facilities," Dr. Sangle stated.
He further elaborated that comprehensive operational guidelines covering crucial aspects like parental consent, beneficiary tracking, and meticulous record-keeping have already been issued to ensure the program's smooth execution. The state has proactively prepared for this launch, having received 9,50,000 doses of the vaccine in early November. Training for health workers at the state and district levels is complete, with block-level training concluding on November 15.
Awareness and Integration into National Health Framework
Alongside the vaccination drive for young girls, the health department will continue its parallel awareness campaigns aimed at adult women. These campaigns focus on the importance of regular screening and early diagnosis of cervical cancer, creating a comprehensive two-pronged approach to tackling the disease.
With this initiative, Maharashtra will join a select group of states implementing the HPV vaccine under the Universal Routine Immunisation Programme. This integration into a national framework underscores the program's scale and importance, marking a pivotal step forward in preventive healthcare for women in the state.
