In a major public health initiative, the Government of Telangana has rolled out a free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign targeting adolescent girls aged 14–15 years, aiming to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer and strengthen preventive healthcare across the state. The programme was formally inaugurated by Health Minister C Damodar Rajanarasimha at King Koti Hospital, Hyderabad, with strong participation from government officials and community representatives.

The three-month statewide campaign seeks to vaccinate approximately 3.5–4 lakh girls against high-risk HPV strains known to cause cervical and other HPV-associated cancers. The vaccine, provided free of charge at government general hospitals, area hospitals and community health centres, marks a significant expansion of accessible cancer prevention services for young women and girls.

In its initial phase, the Gardasil-4 vaccine—a quadrivalent formulation protecting against HPV types that account for the majority of cervical cancer cases—is being administered across public health facilities, with plans to extend the programme to primary health centres over the coming weeks. Officials emphasised that voluntary parental or guardian consent will be obtained prior to vaccination, in line with national immunisation guidelines.

Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India and Telangana, with thousands of new cases reported annually. Health authorities have underscored that early vaccination provides highly effective protection against HPV infections before exposure, helping prevent the development of cancer later in life.

As part of the campaign, the Telangana Health Department is also strengthening cancer screening and diagnostic services, expanding outreach through Arogya Mahila clinics, and enhancing public awareness about preventive healthcare strategies. Health Minister Rajanarasimha urged parents and caregivers to support the initiative and ensure eligible girls receive the vaccination, highlighting its importance in safeguarding long-term health and well-being.

The rollout in Telangana closely follows the national launch of India’s HPV vaccination programme, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ajmer, Rajasthan, which aims to provide free HPV immunisation to millions of adolescent girls across all states and union territories.