Telangana to rollout free HPV vaccination programme for girls aged 14 and 15 at end of February

Why in news

The Telangana government is launching a free statewide HPV vaccination program for girls aged 14 and 15 to combat rising cervical cancer cases.

Background

The state has procured 4.6 lakh doses of the quadrivalent Gardasil 4 vaccine. The vaccination will be administered at Primary Health Centres and other public health facilities starting in late February.

Facts for Prelims

• FactTelangana procured 4.6 lakh doses of the quadrivalent Gardasil 4 vaccine.
• PostAuxiliary Nurse Midwives are the designated personnel trained to administer the vaccine.
• FactThe vaccination program targets adolescent girls aged 14 and 15.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the significance of public health initiatives in preventing non-communicable diseases like cervical cancer in India.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Accessibility gap: Ensuring vaccine cold-chain maintenance in rural Primary Health Centres
• Gender-specific health: Addressing the socio-cultural barriers to adolescent girl vaccination
• Preventive healthcare: Shifting focus from curative treatment to early-stage immunization

Keywords: Preventive healthcare · Public health infrastructure · Immunization coverage · Non-communicable diseases

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