Hyderabad, 17 February: The Telangana government is planning to provide free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for girls as part of efforts to prevent cervical cancer and strengthen preventive healthcare.
Officials said the programme will focus on vaccinating eligible age groups to reduce long-term cancer risk. Cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women, and medical experts note that vaccination at an early age significantly lowers the chances of developing the disease later in life.
Health authorities indicated that the initiative would be implemented through government healthcare facilities and coordinated with public health awareness campaigns. The vaccination drive is expected to cover school-age girls in phases once operational guidelines are finalised.
Public health experts emphasise that HPV vaccination, along with regular screening, plays a major role in preventing cervical cancer. The programme is intended to improve long-term women’s health outcomes and reduce treatment burden on families.
Officials said awareness programmes may also be conducted to inform parents about the safety and preventive benefits of the vaccine.
Further details regarding rollout schedule and coverage are expected to be announced by the health department.
