500 underprivileged girls in Bengaluru receive free HPV vaccines to prevent cervical cancer: Report

The first phase of the vaccination drive was inaugurated by National Award-winning actress Sruthi Hariharan.

Updated on: Feb 6, 2025, 14:37:55 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

In a bid to tackle cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women, 500 adolescent girls from economically weaker sections received free HPV vaccinations in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

The vaccination campaign will continue in multiple phases across Bengaluru and Chennai.

According to Times of India report, the initiative, spearheaded by tech company Tekion in collaboration with the Jivika Foundation, aims to protect young girls from the risks of cervical cancer through early immunisation.

The first phase of the vaccination drive was inaugurated by National Award-winning actress Sruthi Hariharan and renowned gynecologist Dr Padmini Prasad, the report added.

(Also Read: Mysterious calls and fake orders? Bengaluru residents report unusual delivery 'scams')

The vaccination campaign will continue in multiple phases across Bengaluru and Chennai, targeting young girls in underserved communities, the report further added. Organizers hope the initiative will raise awareness and encourage more widespread adoption of the HPV vaccine to prevent future cervical cancer cases.

According to data from the National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), India records around 123,000 new cervical cancer cases and 67,500 deaths annually, making it one of the most affected countries globally.

Cervical cancer is caused by prolonged human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which leads to abnormal cell growth in the cervix. Lifestyle plays a significant role in triggering the development of cervical cancer.

(Also Read: Bengaluru road rage: BMTC bus staff and biker clash on busy road, disrupt traffic)

Prevention methods

Human papillomavirus vaccines are currently available and recommended for girls and boys because they prevent the high-risk strains of HPV that are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases.

Pap smears and HPV testing are crucial for detecting early changes in cervical cells that may develop into cancer. Screening allows for early treatment, significantly improving outcomes.

(Also Read: Bengaluru man upset over 'anaar' on fruit shop receipt sparks Hindi-Kannada debate)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest City News, local updates, weather alerts and breaking stories from Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and other major cities across India on Hindustan Times.