65% Ahmedabad Girls Vaccinated in Free HPV Cancer Prevention Push

In a major public health victory, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's free HPV vaccination program has reached 65% of its target, delivering 31,579 doses to teen girls by May 12. The initiative combats cervical cancer, a leading killer linked to human papillomavirus. Out of 48,443 eligible 14-15-year-olds, the campaign has immunized a substantial portion, with services available until May 31 at no cost across city health facilities. This addresses a critical gap, as the vaccine—usually priced around 3,000 rupees in private settings—remains out of reach for many. AMC's strategy includes widespread identification of beneficiaries and streamlined access points, boosting participation rates. 'We've transformed awareness into action,' officials stated, pointing to the vaccine's status as the gold standard for prevention. The drive's mega scale ensures broad reach, with ongoing efforts to vaccinate the remaining 35%. Community engagement has been key, demystifying HPV and its cancer risks while promoting timely immunization. As the campaign progresses, it highlights municipal governance's role in health equity. Experts anticipate this could reduce cervical cancer incidence significantly in Ahmedabad, offering lessons for India's battle against the disease.