Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Oct 31: In a major public health push, the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) is preparing to launch a state-wide HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination campaign aimed at girls aged 13 to 15 years studying in government schools across Karnataka. The initiative seeks to reduce the rising incidence of cervical cancer among women in the state.

An RGUHS official said discussions are in progress with private investors and medical professionals to determine the brand, composition and cost of the vaccine.

“It might take about a week to work out the nominal price, select the vaccine brand, and review its contents. Different brands are available, priced between Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000. In addition, screening centres will be set up to examine mothers before their daughters are vaccinated,” the official said.

He added that the university would issue a circular within a week detailing the rollout plan.

“Doctors across Karnataka will carry out awareness drives, train school staff, and educate students to gain their confidence before vaccination,” the official explained.

Dr Hema Divakar, gynaecologist and director of HDR Health Care Foundation, lauded the initiative but urged faster implementation.

“It is an excellent step, but execution must be accelerated. Cervical cancer has a high prevalence in India, which bears 25% of the global burden. Around 75,000 women die every year because the disease is detected at an advanced stage. Yet, this is a totally preventable condition,” Dr Hema said.

Dr Hema explained that the HPV vaccine is a universal immunisation, similar to the polio vaccine, and should ideally be administered to girls between nine and fourteen years of age.

“There are no contraindications for girls. During the campaign, mothers will be screened for HPV infection. Our model is to screen the mother and vaccinate the daughter,” she said.

Girls will receive two doses of the vaccine — the second dose administered six months after the first. According to Dr Hema, widespread immunisation could eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.

Dr Hema and her team of gynaecologists have already trained doctors across Karnataka and vaccinated over 7,000 schoolgirls in Mysuru, Bengaluru, Hassan, Bidar and Kalaburagi.

“We will create four levels of awareness involving teachers, students, parents and community leaders, including religious and political figures at district and taluk levels. Parental consent is taken before vaccination,” she said.

A nominal charge of Rs 500 will be collected per vaccine, mostly sponsored by private organisations and donors, with the remaining cost borne by the foundation.

The upcoming RGUHS campaign marks a significant step in Karnataka’s public health strategy, aligning with India’s goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat by 2030.