Chennai, Dec 13 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu is preparing to introduce an extensive Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination initiative by the conclusion of January, making it the pioneering state in India to offer the vaccine free of charge to adolescent girls to combat cervical cancer.

The initiative will eventually encompass all 38 districts, but will initially be implemented in four districts—Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruvannamalai, and Dharmapuri—which have been identified as having a higher prevalence of cervical cancer.

Health Minister Ma. Subramanian disclosed these details during a press conference at an event. He stated that approximately 3.38 lakh girls throughout Tamil Nadu will gain from this vaccination effort.

In the initial phase, about 27,000 girls in the four high-incidence districts will receive the first dose. The state government has allocated Rs 36 crore in its previous Budget for this program, targeting girls aged between 9 and 14 years.

“The tender process for vaccine procurement is finalized, and we are nearing completion of the necessary steps. Once these formalities are concluded, the vaccine will be acquired, and the program is expected to launch by the end of next month,” Subramanian stated.

He further mentioned that training sessions for doctors and nurses on vaccine administration commenced earlier this week.

The vaccination drive will initially focus on girls aged 14 years, and will later expand to include those aged 9 to 14 years. Each eligible girl will receive two doses of the vaccine. The rollout will start in government and government-aided schools, as noted by the Minister.

In the private sector, a single dose of the HPV vaccine costs around Rs 2,000, making this free public initiative a pivotal public health measure. Emphasizing the state's accomplishments in HIV prevention, Subramanian highlighted that the HIV prevalence rate in India is 0.23 percent, while Tamil Nadu's rate is lower at 0.16 percent.

The state has achieved 100 percent screening of pregnant women for HIV and syphilis to eliminate mother-to-child transmission.

Currently, Tamil Nadu has 2,600 Nambikkai Maiyams (Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres) and 81 Anti-Retroviral Therapy centres.

The Minister also noted that stringent measures have been taken against unsafe practices like “blood art,” resulting in the closure of such establishments, and that monitoring of needle safety and disposal is ongoing.

He reaffirmed that continuous awareness campaigns are underway to achieve a HIV/AIDS-free Tamil Nadu by 2030.