Thiruvananthapuram, July 29 (UNI) Kerala will begin administering the HPV vaccine to Plus One and Plus Two girl students as a preventive measure against cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, and the HPV vaccine is most effective when administered between the ages of 9 and 14, although it can be given up to the age of 26, said Health Minister Veena George.
“With the goal of making Kerala free from cervical cancer, the state has been undertaking extensive initiatives. An awareness campaign on HPV vaccination will also be conducted,” she said.
A technical committee meeting will be held within a week to finalise the HPV vaccination rollout. The awareness materials will be prepared based on the guidelines issued by the technical committee.
As the target group consists of higher secondary students, special awareness sessions will be conducted at the school level. In addition, awareness sessions will also be organised for parents.
The Health Department is actively implementing several cancer prevention measures. A Cancer Care Grid has been established to coordinate diagnosis and treatment services across the state.
As part of its cancer prevention efforts, the state launched a public campaign titled ‘Health and Happiness by Eliminating Cancer’, through which over 17 lakh people have already undergone screening.
A high-level meeting held on Monday was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department, NHM State Mission Director, SHA Executive Director, Directors of the Health and Medical Education Departments, Directors of MCC and CCRC, the Head of the Gynaecology Department at RCC, Deputy Directors of the Health Department, and other senior officials.
