Tamil Nadu Paves the Way for a Cancer-Free Future With Free HPV Vaccines

Tamil Nadu is the first Indian state to initiate a free HPV immunisation programme against cervical cancer for girls aged 1-14 years.

Highlights:

Tamil Nadu allocates ₹38 crore for free HPV vaccination for girls aged 1–14
The initiative aligns with the WHO’s 2030 target to eliminate cervical cancer
Over 500 joined the awareness walkathon promoting fitness and early screening

Cervical cancer continues to be a major threat to women’s health, ranking as the fourth most common cancer globally. WHO estimates show that over 604,127 cases are reported in a single year, and the majority of these cases are women, of which India bears almost 20% of the global load. Most of these cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, and therefore, prevention of HPV through vaccination is very important.

Interestingly, a South Indian study observed that the prevalence was far higher on HPV 16 (52%) and HPV 33 (40%) genotypes, with the highly oncogenic HPV 18 subtype being detected in only 4% of samples, indicating that the local prevalence patterns may influence the prevention and treatment strategies ().

In response to this, Tamil Nadu will be the first state in India to provide the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to girls aged 1-14 years at no cost, the initial move in the history of India to finally eliminate cervical cancer!

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Tamil Nadu will become the first Indian state to provide free vaccines against HPV to girls who are under 14 to combat cervical cancer! #hpvvaccine #hpv #cervicalcancer #medindia

Tamil Nadu’s Landmark Vaccination Programme

The initiative was announced during the breast cancer awareness walkathon, which was named Oru Nadai Oru Nambikkai (One Step, One Hope), at the Island Grounds, in Chennai, on 13 October 2016. Health Minister Ma. Subramanian revealed that ₹38 crore has been allocated by the state government.

Tamil Nadu will be the first in India to administer the HPV vaccine free of cost to girls aged up to 14 years," said the health minister.

The tender has been completed, and implementation is expected to occur. Once launched, this initiative will play a key role in meeting the WHO's 90% global target of vaccinating 90% of girls aged 15 to eradicate cervical cancer by 2030 ().

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Promoting Fitness and Awareness As An Initiative To Prevent Cancer

The Health Minister also emphasised the fact that physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle significantly lower the chances of cancer.

“Scientific studies have proven that those who walk or run daily face a significantly lower risk of developing cancer. Regular exercise is one of the most effective preventive measures,” he said

Over 500 people, including actress Sanchita Shetty, cancer survivors, and students, attended the awareness walkathon and conveyed messages of early screening, vaccination, and a healthier future.

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Tamil Nadu’s Commitment to Preventive Health

Beyond cervical cancer prevention, the state has high vigilance against other illnesses like polio, with precautionary vaccination programmes already being implemented in six districts. Minister Subramanias highlighted the Chief Minister's personal involvement in state health and environment, demonstrating the state's proactive approach to citizen welfare.

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Tamil Nadu’s Cancer Vaccine Initiative: A Model for the Entire Nation

Tamil Nadu's initiative demonstrates how political will, preventive care, and citizen participation can change health outcomes. The state is not only safeguarding its young girls by introducing the HPV vaccine into the public health policy but also creating a generation that is free of cervical cancer.

” In private hospitals, each HPV dose costs Rs 12000 and Rs 15000, making the state’s free vaccination drive a significant step towards equitable healthcare. And, with such sustained health initiatives, Tamil Nadu continues to lead India in ensuring every citizen’s right to a healthy life,” Subramanian remarked.

When replicated throughout India, the model would assist the country in meeting the 2030 goal of the WHO: a future where no woman dies from a preventable cancer.

References:

Universal Cervical Cancer Immunization: India Ready for a Quantum Leap - (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10025827/)
India's first free cancer vaccination programme for girls aged 1-14 in TN soon: Minister Subramanian - (https://www.ians.in/english-wire/health-medicine)

Source-Medindia