AP CM Launches Free HPV Vaccination Drive At Vizianagaram
28 Feb 2026 2:02 PM IST28 Feb 2026 2:02 PM IST
The state government is administering the HPV vaccine free of cost to nearly 3.45 lakh adolescent girls across Andhra Pradesh as part of the vaccination drive.
Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu Launches Free HPV Vax Drive In Vizianagaram | Screengrab from AP CMO YouTube Video
Visakhapatnam: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has reiterated his government’s commitment to public health while launching the mandatory HPV vaccination for all girls under 15 to prevent cervical cancer in Cheepurupalli constituency of Vizianagaram district on Saturday.
The CM emphasised that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the HPV vaccination programme nationwide, Andhra Pradesh is implementing it with urgency, given the higher incidence of non-communicable diseases in the state. He maintained that the compulsory HPV vaccination is part of AP’s larger effort to combat rising cancer cases in Andhra Pradesh.
Naidu pointed out that cancer cases in AP have risen from 29,379 in 2021 to 32,657 in 2025, with 65 per cent of victims being women. Cervical cancer, in particular, has become a major concern, affecting 15 to 20 women per lakh of their population. He underlined that the vaccine, which costs ₹4,000 per unit, is being given free of charge.
“The state has already spent ₹14.11 crore to vaccinate 3.45 lakh girls. The vaccination infrastructure has been strengthened with 1,645 cold chain points and 16,912 staff,” he underlined.
The Chief Minister explained that extensive cancer screening programmes are underway. 1.72 crore people have been screened for oral cancer and over 90 lakh women for breast and cervical cancers. Thousands of suspected cases have been referred for further checks.
In this regard, Naidu said a State Cancer Institute is being established in Kurnool with an allocation of ₹50 crore. Overall, the government has allocated ₹19,305 crore for the Medical and Health sector in the latest budget, which is six per cent of total expenditure. Free medical services up to ₹2.5 lakh are being provided under the Universal Health Policy, while the NTR Medical Service Trust extends health coverage up to ₹25 lakh for the poor.
The CM spoke about new initiatives, including the Sanjeevani Project for public health and plans to introduce AI doctor services for medical advice. He asked people to adopt balanced diets and avoid pesticide-contaminated food to reduce cancer risks.
Naidu underlined his government’s vision of “making Andhra Pradesh healthy, wealthy, and happy.” He spoke about the World Health Organisation’s 90-70-90 strategy to control cervical cancer. He explained that 90 per cent of children must be vaccinated. He informed parents that the vaccine is safe and administered free at government health centres.
Concluding, the Chief Minister maintained that the HPV vaccination programme is not just a health initiative but a resolve of his government to safeguard future generations.
Naidu pointed out that cancer cases in AP have risen from 29,379 in 2021 to 32,657 in 2025, with 65 per cent of victims being women. Cervical cancer, in particular, has become a major concern, affecting 15 to 20 women per lakh of their population. He underlined that the vaccine, which costs ₹4,000 per unit, is being given free of charge.
“The state has already spent ₹14.11 crore to vaccinate 3.45 lakh girls. The vaccination infrastructure has been strengthened with 1,645 cold chain points and 16,912 staff,” he underlined.
The Chief Minister explained that extensive cancer screening programmes are underway. 1.72 crore people have been screened for oral cancer and over 90 lakh women for breast and cervical cancers. Thousands of suspected cases have been referred for further checks.
In this regard, Naidu said a State Cancer Institute is being established in Kurnool with an allocation of ₹50 crore. Overall, the government has allocated ₹19,305 crore for the Medical and Health sector in the latest budget, which is six per cent of total expenditure. Free medical services up to ₹2.5 lakh are being provided under the Universal Health Policy, while the NTR Medical Service Trust extends health coverage up to ₹25 lakh for the poor.
The CM spoke about new initiatives, including the Sanjeevani Project for public health and plans to introduce AI doctor services for medical advice. He asked people to adopt balanced diets and avoid pesticide-contaminated food to reduce cancer risks.
Naidu underlined his government’s vision of “making Andhra Pradesh healthy, wealthy, and happy.” He spoke about the World Health Organisation’s 90-70-90 strategy to control cervical cancer. He explained that 90 per cent of children must be vaccinated. He informed parents that the vaccine is safe and administered free at government health centres.
Concluding, the Chief Minister maintained that the HPV vaccination programme is not just a health initiative but a resolve of his government to safeguard future generations.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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