Maharashtra launches HPV vaccination campaign for girls
Maharashtra just launched a statewide campaign to vaccinate nearly 10 lakh girls (girls aged 9-14 years) against HPV, the virus behind most cervical cancers.
The drive was kicked off on International Women's Day and offers free HPV vaccine (brand not specified in the state announcement) shots at government centers, with parental consent; beneficiary registration and certificate distribution will be through the U-WIN portal.
National push to protect over 1 crore girls
The goal is to reach almost 10 lakh girls, especially girls aged 9-14 years.
No end date was specified in the state announcement; the campaign will become part of regular immunizations.
Cervical cancer and vaccine misinformation
Health Minister Prakash Abitkar says fighting cervical cancer is crucial and wants everyone to help stop misinformation about the vaccine online.
India's campaign aligns with the WHO 90-70-90 targets aimed at dramatically reducing cervical cancer by 2030.
Gardasil-4 protects against HPV types that cause most cervical cancers
Gardasil-4 protects against HPV types that cause most cervical cancers, offering very high protection when given before sexual debut.
Just one dose can cut cases by nearly 90%, supporting World Health Organization's goal of eliminating cervical cancer worldwide.