West Bengal Launches HPV Vaccine Drive for 7.65 Lakh Girls

West Bengal Launches Major HPV Vaccination Drive for Adolescent Girls

Kolkata, May 30: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday launched a large-scale Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign aimed at protecting adolescent girls from cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers affecting women in India. The statewide initiative is expected to benefit nearly 7.65 lakh girls aged 14 years across the state.

The vaccination programme has been introduced as part of broader public health efforts to reduce the burden of cervical cancer and improve preventive healthcare for young girls. Health officials said the initiative aligns with the national HPV vaccination campaign launched earlier this year and supports India’s long-term goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a major public health concern.

Under the programme, girls who have completed 14 years of age but are yet to turn 15 will receive a single dose of the quadrivalent Gardasil-4 vaccine free of cost at designated government hospitals, primary health centres, schools, and other approved healthcare facilities across West Bengal.

According to health authorities, the Gardasil-4 vaccine helps protect against specific strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a virus strongly linked to cervical cancer and several other diseases. Medical experts have consistently emphasised that early vaccination significantly reduces the future risk of cervical cancer among women.

Launching the campaign, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the state government remains committed to strengthening preventive healthcare measures and ensuring access to life-saving vaccines for eligible beneficiaries. Officials added that awareness campaigns, outreach programmes, and school-level coordination will also be conducted to encourage participation and educate families about the importance of HPV vaccination.

Public health experts welcomed the initiative, stating that widespread vaccination among adolescent girls could play a crucial role in reducing cervical cancer cases in the coming decades. The campaign is expected to be implemented in phases with support from health workers, local authorities, and educational institutions across the state.