Free HPV vaccination drive to commence from March 9 across AP

Vijayawada: Health minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav on Saturday announced that the medical and health department will commence the HPV vaccination drive for girls aged 14–15 years from March 9, across the state. Under the programme, the vaccine will be administered free of cost to girls aged 14–15 years, covering around 3.45 lakh beneficiaries, and the drive will continue for 3 months, the health minister said.Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu had formally launched the HPV vaccine programme on Feb 28. He said the vaccine will help prevent cervical cancer, adding that early detection of cancer can lead to recovery in 60–70% of cases. Referring to the NCD 4.0 survey, he said screening was conducted for about 95 lakh people, with further tests recommended for 5.49 lakh oral cancer, 2.71 lakh breast cancer, and 3.73 lakh cervical cancer suspected cases.Extending greetings on the occasion of International Women's Day, the health minister said both the Central and state govts are making sustained efforts to empower women and ensure their economic independence. He noted that women are excelling in all fields and advised them to remain vigilant about their health.