To prevent cervical cancer, Karnataka’s Health Department will soon launch a vaccination drive to administer the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to 14-year-old girls in mining-affected districts. A government order to this effect was issued on Tuesday.
The initiative, announced in the State’s 2025–26 budget, follows recommendations by an expert committee to provide two doses of the HPV vaccine to girls aged 9 years to 14 years as a preventive measure against cervical cancer. According to the G.O., the vaccination drive will begin in eight taluks across four mining-affected districts.
The programme covers the taluks of Gubbi, Chikkanayakanahalli, and Tiptur in Tumakuru district; Sandur in Ballari; Holalkere, Hosadurga, and Molakalmuru in Chitradurga; and Hosapete in Vijayanagara. A grant of ₹4.74 crore has been sanctioned through the Karnataka Mining Environment Restoration Corporation (KMERC) for the campaign, with the cost of each dose fixed at ₹1,260.
The department has identified 37,470 eligible beneficiaries. The vaccine will be administered to girls enrolled in government and aided schools as well as to out-of-school girls. To avail themselves of the vaccine, beneficiaries are required to possess a Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration card.
Published – July 10, 2025 05:39 pm IST
