Karnataka’s Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for adolescent girls has crossed the two-lakh milestone, with over 2,00,000 beneficiaries covered across the State so far.
According to official data available till May 11, a total of 2,00,028 girls aged between 14 and 15 years have received the vaccine under the ongoing campaign.
Nearly 29 per cent target achieved
Health authorities said the vaccination coverage currently accounts for around 29 per cent of the State’s total target population of 6.89 lakh eligible girls.
The State had earlier received an allocation of 5,08,025 single-dose HPV vaccine vials for the programme. Data showed that nearly 39.4 per cent of the available vaccine stock has already been utilised.
Officials noted that the campaign is progressing steadily across districts through schools and healthcare centres.
Key step against cervical cancer
The HPV vaccine is regarded as one of the most effective preventive measures against cervical cancer, which remains one of the leading cancers affecting women in India.
Medical experts have consistently stressed that early vaccination significantly reduces the risk of HPV infections linked to cervical cancer later in life.
The campaign is part of broader public health efforts to improve awareness about women’s health and preventive healthcare among adolescents.
Awareness and outreach continue
Health officials are continuing awareness programmes to encourage parents and schools to support vaccination efforts.
Experts believe higher vaccination coverage could play a major role in reducing future cervical cancer cases and improving women’s health outcomes in Karnataka.
The State government is expected to intensify outreach activities in the coming months to achieve wider coverage among eligible girls.