CM launches HPV vaccination drive in Cheepurupalli

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday underscored the Andhra Pradesh government’s commitment to public health and social welfare, announcing large-scale preventive healthcare initiatives while launching the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme in Cheepurupalli constituency of Vizianagaram district. Addressing a public meeting after inaugurating the vaccination drive and welfare programmes at Ravivalasa village, the Chief Minister described the initiative as a crucial step toward preventing cancer among women and building a healthier society.

Naidu said the State had recently implemented two sacred public welfare initiatives, the rollout of free HPV vaccination and the continued distribution of NTR Bharosa pensions. “Preventive healthcare is the foundation of a healthy and prosperous society. Our goal is to build a healthy, wealthy and happy Andhra Pradesh,” he stated.

Highlighting rising cancer cases, the Chief Minister noted that cancer incidence in Andhra Pradesh had increased from 29,379 cases in 2021 to 32,657 in 2025, with nearly 65 percent reported among women. Breast and cervical cancers were the most common among women, while oral cancer remained prevalent among men. He said cervical cancer had emerged as a major health concern in the State, with 15 to 20 cases detected per one lakh women. “The HPV vaccine, which costs nearly Rs. 4,000 per dose, is being provided free of cost by the government to prevent such cases,” Naidu said.

The government plans to vaccinate all girls aged 14-15 years, covering 3.45 lakh beneficiaries across the State, including nearly 12,000 girls in Vizianagaram district. For this programme, the State has established 1,645 cold-chain points and deployed over 16,000 healthcare personnel. Vaccination is being monitored through the Centre’s UWIN digital platform, and recipients will remain under medical observation for 30 minutes after inoculation to ensure safety.

Naidu said the government had already conducted cancer screening for 1.72 crore people statewide. Screening identified over 5.07 lakh individuals at risk of oral cancer, 2.5 lakh women with potential breast cancer symptoms, and more than 3.4 lakh women vulnerable to cervical cancer, all of whom were referred for further medical evaluation. To strengthen treatment infrastructure, a State Cancer Institute is being established in Kurnool at a cost of Rs. 50 crore. 

The Chief Minister outlined development plans for North Andhra, stating that investments from major companies such as Google, TCS and Cognizant were transforming the region. The upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport and the proposed Tribal University in Vizianagaram district were expected to boost employment opportunities, he added.

Concluding his address, Naidu called upon parents to ensure that all eligible girls receive the HPV vaccine, recalling how mass immunisation campaigns had successfully eradicated polio. “Prevention is better than cure. A healthy society is the strongest foundation for development,” he said.