Sat Dec 13 06:49:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article based on it:

Summary:

Tamil Nadu is launching a free HPV vaccination program for girls aged 9-14 to prevent cervical cancer, starting with four districts with high incidence rates by the end of January. The program will initially target girls in government and government-aided schools and will be the first such state-funded initiative in India. The state has allocated ₹36 crore for the program. In addition, the Health Minister reiterated the states commitment to eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030, mentioning ongoing screening and awareness programs.

News Article:

Tamil Nadu to Launch Free HPV Vaccination Program, Aims to Eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030

CHENNAI, December 13, 2025 – Tamil Nadu is set to become the first state in India to offer free HPV vaccinations to girls aged 9-14, a move aimed at preventing cervical cancer. The vaccination program, with a budget of ₹36 crore, will be rolled out by the end of January, initially focusing on four districts with high cervical cancer incidence: Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruvannamalai, and Dharmapuri.

“We will begin by vaccinating approximately 27,000 girls in these four districts, targeting government and government-aided schools,” Health Minister Ma. Subramanian announced Friday (December 12, 2025). Ultimately, the program aims to reach 338,000 girls across all 38 districts in the state. Each child will receive two doses of the vaccine.

The state has finalized the tender process for vaccine procurement and is currently training doctors and nurses on administering the vaccine. In the private sector, a single dose of the HPV vaccine can cost nearly ₹2,000.

In addition to the HPV vaccination program, Minister Subramanian reiterated Tamil Nadu’s commitment to eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030. He highlighted the state’s efforts to ensure 100% screening of pregnant women for HIV and syphilis to prevent transmission to babies. The state has 2,600 Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres and 81 Anti Retroviral Therapy centres. Subramanian added that the state continues to monitor “blood art” shops and safe needle disposal to prevent the spread of infection, and various awareness initiatives are ongoing to achieve the states ambitious goal.

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