Source The Hindu
In a significant step toward improving women’s health, the Maharashtra Health Department launched a statewide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for young girls on the occasion of International Women’s Day. The initiative aims to protect girls from cervical cancer by providing the HPV vaccine through government health facilities and schools across the state.
Health officials said the campaign focuses primarily on girls between the ages of 9 and 14, the age group recommended for HPV vaccination. The vaccine helps prevent infections caused by the human papillomavirus, which is responsible for most cases of cervical cancer worldwide.
According to health authorities, the program will be implemented through district hospitals, primary health centers, and school-based vaccination drives. Medical teams will also conduct awareness campaigns to educate parents and students about the importance and safety of the vaccine.
Officials emphasized that cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India. By introducing the HPV vaccine at an early age, the government hopes to significantly reduce future cases of the disease and improve long-term public health outcomes.
The vaccination drive is part of the state’s broader effort to strengthen preventive healthcare services for women and girls. Health workers, school authorities, and community volunteers have been mobilized to ensure maximum coverage during the campaign.
The government also urged parents to encourage eligible girls to receive the vaccine, highlighting that early vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer later in life.
