Karnataka launches HPV vaccination drive targeting over 39,000 adolescent girls in Belagavi

The Karnataka health department has begun a large vaccination campaign in Belagavi district aimed at protecting adolescent girls from cervical cancer. Officials said the programme will cover more than 39,000 girls between the ages of 14 and 15 through government hospitals, primary health centres and school-based outreach.

Health authorities said the campaign is being carried out in coordination with the education department to ensure that schoolgoing girls are vaccinated without disruption to their studies. Medical teams have also been asked to conduct awareness sessions for parents and teachers on the role of the Human Papillomavirus vaccine in preventing cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women in India. Public health experts say early vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of infection caused by high risk strains of the virus.

Officials in the district administration said the drive is part of the state government’s broader strategy to strengthen preventive healthcare, particularly among adolescents. Health workers have been instructed to track coverage levels closely to ensure eligible beneficiaries are not left out.

The campaign is expected to run through government health facilities and schools over the coming weeks, with officials hoping the initiative will improve long term cancer prevention in the region.