The Minister of Health promises steps to increase HPV vaccination

Health Minister K. Muraleedharan inaugurates AOGIN National Conference on September 19 at Government Medical College, Kozhikode. Photo credit: K. Ragesh

Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has promised to take steps to increase HPV vaccination coverage to protect teenage girls in the state from cervical cancer.

Inaugurating a national conference organized by the Indian branch of the Asian Oceania Research Organization in Genital Infection & Neoplasia (AOGIN) at the Government Medical College here on Saturday (September 19), he said vaccination coverage was lower in some areas.

The HPV vaccine is given free of charge to 14-year-old girls at all government health centers as part of the national immunization drive. Mr Muraleedharan said lack of awareness was one of the reasons for poor coverage and urged doctors to engage in activities to promote it.

The conference will end on Sunday (September 20).

Published – 19 Sep 2026 20:28 IST