Hyderabad free HPV vaccine drive fights cervical cancer
In a significant stride towards preventive healthcare, Apollo Cancer Centres has launched a free HPV vaccination drive in Hyderabad, targeting young girls from underprivileged backgrounds. On Monday, around 120 girls from orphanages received their first dose of the vaccine, which protects against the human papillomavirus (HPV)—a leading cause of cervical cancer. This initiative gains relevance following the Indian government’s push to provide free HPV vaccines, reflecting an increasing focus on women’s health. With cervical cancer ranking as the second-most common cancer among Indian women, healthcare experts believe that prevention through vaccination is the most effective way to curb its alarming prevalence. The vaccination programme will be conducted at Apollo Cancer Centres, Jubilee Hills, from 9 am to 6 pm, where eligible beneficiaries can collect coupons for their scheduled doses. The initiative is expected to extend throughout February, ensuring access to those in need.
Cervical cancer, once accounting for over 50-60% of all female cancer cases in India, has seen a decline in prevalence due to medical advancements and increased awareness. However, it still contributes to 22% of all cancers in Indian women, according to Dr Vijay Anand Reddy, Director of Apollo Cancer Centres. Comparatively, breast cancer cases have surged to 30%, underscoring the shift in disease patterns. “The HPV vaccine is a game-changer, but its cost—ranging from ₹7,000 to ₹8,000—makes it inaccessible for many families,” said Dr Reddy. “In a study conducted on 100 HPV-infected patients, 99% of them developed cervical cancer. This is why vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure.” The vaccine is recommended for girls aged 9 to 26, ideally before their first sexual intercourse, as the virus is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. While 80% of HPV infections clear naturally, the remaining 20% can lead to serious complications, including cancer.
The Sustainability and Civic Impact of Cancer Prevention
Public health experts stress that immunisation campaigns such as this are not just about individual protection but are also a sustainability initiative. Cervical cancer places a huge burden on India’s healthcare system, leading to high treatment costs, economic losses, and emotional trauma for families. By promoting early vaccination, the campaign helps reduce long-term healthcare expenditure, aligning with India’s broader vision of universal healthcare. The initiative also addresses urban health disparities, ensuring that underprivileged girls receive life-saving protection, which would otherwise remain out of reach. As healthcare expenses continue to rise, preventive strategies play a crucial role in ensuring that healthcare remains affordable and accessible, especially for economically weaker sections of society.
Expanding Access and Future Roadmap
Experts also highlight the need for policy intervention to ensure HPV vaccination becomes a nationwide standard. Currently, HPV vaccines are not part of India’s universal immunisation programme, making it difficult for many families to afford them. The recent Union Budget’s focus on cancer prevention offers hope for increased funding and expansion of such vaccination drives. Global success stories, such as Australia’s nationwide HPV vaccination programme, have demonstrated how structured immunisation can nearly eliminate cervical cancer. India must take similar steps to ensure wider adoption of the HPV vaccine by including it in government-funded healthcare schemes. The Hyderabad initiative sets a strong precedent, but for a long-term impact, nationwide efforts and policy-level support are essential to eliminate cervical cancer as a major public health threat.
With initiatives like Apollo’s free vaccination drive, Hyderabad is moving towards a more sustainable and inclusive healthcare ecosystem. However, the true test lies in scaling these efforts and ensuring that all girls—regardless of economic background—receive equal access to preventive healthcare. As urban India grapples with rising healthcare inequalities, free vaccination campaigns serve as a crucial step towards bridging the gap, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against preventable diseases.
