Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav initiated a state-wide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive to safeguard adolescent girls from cervical cancer. The campaign aims to reach approximately eight lakh girls aged 14-15 across the state, with over 7,58,500 doses provided by the Central government. Administered free of charge at government health facilities, the vaccine, valued at Rs 4,000, will be available over the next three months.
Chief Minister Yadav, speaking from New Delhi during the virtual launch, emphasized the state’s dedication to women’s health and respect. He acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s national launch in Rajasthan and assured effective implementation in Madhya Pradesh. Cervical cancer, he stressed, poses a significant health risk to women, urging parents to ensure their eligible daughters receive the vaccine through the free immunization program.
Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla inaugurated the campaign at Dr. Kailash Nath Katju Hospital in Bhopal, highlighting cervical cancer as the second most prevalent cancer in women after breast cancer, with around 156 cases per one lakh women. Shukla emphasized the importance of prevention through HPV vaccination over treatment, aiming to make Madhya Pradesh a cervical cancer-free state. He called for cooperation from health workers, officials, and the public to ensure comprehensive coverage under the program.
The HPV vaccination initiative aligns with other health programs in Madhya Pradesh, including the upcoming “Mission Madhuhari” to provide diabetes management clinics for children and young adults in district hospitals. Shukla also mentioned existing campaigns like Nirogi Kaya Abhiyan, Sickle Cell Eradication Mission, Healthy Women Empowered Family Campaign, and Healthy Liver Mission. The state has enhanced primary healthcare infrastructure, expanded diagnostic services, introduced telemedicine in rural areas, and proposed medical colleges in each Lok Sabha constituency.
Chief Minister Yadav stressed the importance of sustained health awareness and regular check-ups for long-term public health improvements. Officials are confident in achieving the vaccination targets within the set timeframe.
