The Assam government has launched a pilot project to vaccinate girls against human papiloma virus (HPV) causing cervical cancer.

Under the project, 300 girls in the age group of 13 to 26 years would be vaccinated in the first phase. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended vaccine, will be administered to the target group, State Health and Family Welfare Minister Himanata Biswa Sarma said.

Cervical cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer affecting women in recent times.

Medical experts say that vaccination is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. Reports said that out of all cancer patients, about 35 per cent are victims of this cancer.

According to WHO, the HPV vaccine has been found to have 100 per cent effective to prevent the disease.

Encouraged by the fact, the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Guwahati Medical College and Hospital would administer HPV vaccine to about 300 women. After monitoring the results, the vaccination programme is likely to be extended to the other parts of the state later on.

Along with vaccination, the Health Department also initiated an awareness programme to control the cervical cancer.