The Tamil Nadu government is set to launch a significant public health initiative aimed at combating cervical cancer. A pilot programme to vaccinate adolescent girls against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) will commence in the third week of January 2024, immediately after the Pongal festival.
Pilot Programme Targets Four High-Burden Districts
The initial phase of this vaccination drive will be implemented in four select districts: Tiruvannamalai, Ariyalur, Perambalur, and Dharmapuri. The selection of these districts is strategic. "We chose high-burden districts to study implementation challenges through this pilot," explained Dr. J Jayashree, programme officer for cancer care at the National Health Mission (NHM) Tamil Nadu. The insights gained will be crucial for a smooth state-wide expansion.
The programme will specifically target girls enrolled in government and government-aided schools. Using the 'Nalam' application under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), authorities have identified 27,196 eligible girls who are 14 years old across 5,455 schools in the four districts.
Vaccine Details and State-Wide Expansion Plans
The vaccine to be administered is quadrivalent, meaning it offers protection against four common HPV strains: 6, 11, 16, and 18. Strains 16 and 18 are notably responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases.
Dr. Jayashree clarified the age-specific dosing schedule. While HPV vaccination can start from age nine, this pilot will focus on 14-year-olds, who will receive two doses. She noted that older age groups typically require three doses as per standard vaccine guidelines.
The success of this pilot is intended to pave the way for a broader rollout. Based on the findings, the state plans to scale up the programme across all districts, including Chennai, by the end of 2024.
Preparations and Programme Implementation
Extensive groundwork is currently underway to ensure the programme's success. Dr. Vinay Kumar, Joint Director of Immunisation at the Directorate of Public Health (DPH), stated that awareness sessions are being conducted for school headmasters and staff in the target districts prior to the launch.
The initiative is fully funded by the Tamil Nadu health and family welfare department. The Directorate of Public Health (DPH) is the lead implementing agency, with digital and strategic support provided by the National Health Mission Tamil Nadu. This collaborative approach aims to create a robust model for adolescent health intervention that can be replicated across the state, marking a major step forward in cancer prevention for women in Tamil Nadu.
