Empowering Futures: HPV Vaccine Drive Aims to Protect 39,000 Girls in Belagavi District | Hubballi News
In a significant health initiative, the Health and Family Welfare Department has launched a comprehensive HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination campaign in Belagavi district aimed at combating cervical cancer. The program, which kicked off on March 10, targets over 39,000 girls aged 14 to 15, offering the vaccine free of charge. Beneficiaries will receive vaccination certificates akin to those issued for COVID-19 vaccinations.
Cervical cancer ranks as the second most prevalent cancer among women in India, with an alarming increase in cases each year. Experts highlight that the HPV vaccine is remarkably effective, boasting a success rate of 93 to 100% in preventing the disease. Vaccinations are available in all government hospitals, community health centres, and primary health centres throughout Belagavi, prioritizing girls within the specified age range. Collaborative efforts between the health and education departments are underway to facilitate the vaccination process, ensuring eligible students are brought in from schools to receive the vaccine.
Ishwar Gadad, head of the district health office, emphasized the long-standing use of the HPV vaccine in cervical cancer prevention. He noted that recognizing the vaccine’s significance, the government opted for a nationwide campaign model. While the vaccine can cost up to Rs 11,000 in private hospitals, making it inaccessible for many families, the government is providing it at no cost, easing financial burdens on parents.
The initial rollout of the vaccination campaign faced challenges due to concurrent examination schedules. However, Gadad expressed optimism, comparing the campaign’s slow start to the initial phases of the COVID vaccination effort, which ultimately saw increased participation as time progressed. He indicated that the real impact of the HPV vaccination initiative would be assessable in three months, with expectations for a significant uptick in participation.
Belagavi district has established an ambitious target of administering a total of 39,900 vaccines, broken down as follows: 6,500 in Belagavi taluk, 5,500 each in Gokak and Savadatti, 4,500 in Chikodi, and 3,000 each in Hukkeri, Raibag, Bailhongal, and Ramadurga talukas. Zilla Panchayat CEO Rahul Shinde urged parents to embrace the program, reassuring them that the HPV vaccine is a safe and effective means of preventing cervical cancer.
As the campaign progresses, steps are being taken to maximize the number of female students receiving their vaccinations, with schools actively cooperating. Given the urgency and importance of addressing cervical cancer, this initiative stands as a pivotal effort in protecting the health of young women in Belagavi district. The concerted push for vaccinations not only underscores the commitment to women’s health but also aims to significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in the years to come.
This proactive approach reflects a growing recognition of the essential role that vaccines play in public health. With the support of families and educational institutions, the Belagavi district vaccine campaign aspires to become a model for similar initiatives nationwide, fostering a healthier future for girls across the country.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/hpv-vax-drive-targets-39000-girls-in-belagavi-district/articleshow/129578737.cms
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Publish Date: 2026-03-14 23:17:00
