The Karnataka government will offer free cervical cancer vaccinations to all 14-year-old girls in five districts of the Kalyana Karnataka region. As part of this initiative, a dedicated vaccination drive will be conducted annually for girls turning 14 in these districts, according to Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.
Speaking at the event Cervical Cancer Elimination Movement: From Awareness to Action in Bengaluru, Rao emphasized the state’s commitment to using the HPV vaccine to combat cervical cancer, which is the second most prevalent cancer among women after breast cancer.
The programme is being implemented in partnership with organizations such as Artist for Her, HDR Healthcare Foundation, HealthCare Sector Skill Council, ECHO India, the Association of Healthcare Providers, and the Karnataka State Obstetrics and Gynaecology Association.
Additionally, the state government is reviewing a proposal from Artist for Her and other organizations to extend the vaccination initiative to Chikkaballapur district. Rao assured that those diagnosed with cervical cancer through screening efforts would have a 90% chance of successful treatment. He pledged to accelerate the approval process and initiate the programme soon.
Addressing concerns about reluctance to undergo cervical cancer screening, the minister highlighted that health camps organized under the Gruha Arogya Scheme have already screened over 10,000 women. These camps have played a key role in raising awareness and encouraging women to visit health sub-centres for check-ups, he added.
