The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive for adolescent girls aged 14 years was launched in both Peren and Mokokchung districts on March 2 as part of the nationwide initiative to prevent cervical cancer.
In Peren, the programme was launched at the District Hospital. Delivering the keynote address, Dr Velentina Neikha, District Programme Officer for Reproductive and Child Health and Universal Immunisation Programme, spoke on the importance of the newly introduced HPV vaccine. She informed that the drive, launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, will provide the HPV vaccine Gardasil 4 free of cost at government health centres during routine immunisation sessions across the district.
Dr Neikha provided an overview of cervical cancer, including its causes, risk factors and impact on women’s health, and said it remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women. She explained the documentation required for registration and the process of uploading beneficiary details into the designated health application. She also outlined the vaccination sites, stating that the vaccine will be administered at designated health facilities with qualified doctors and nurses to ensure safe delivery. She added that the HPV vaccine was first launched globally in 2006 and said one of the global public health visions is to eliminate cervical cancer by vaccinating girls at the age of fourteen.
Pelingrangle, President of the PTWWO, assured that the organisation would make efforts to reach all eligible beneficiaries and educate the community. Dr Avika P Jimo, Medical Officer, chaired the programme, while Hosea Apon, Head Pharmacist, invoked God’s blessing. The event was attended by councillors of the Peren Town Council, students, Anganwadi workers, ASHAs, stakeholders and members of the medical fraternity.
In Mokokchung, the HPV vaccine was launched at the Immunisation Centre of Dr Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital. The district-level launch followed the nationwide rollout inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 28. The programme was formally launched by Kewimesin Nriame, EAC NCS, Mokokchung.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Limanaro, District Programme Officer for Universal Immunisation Programme and Reproductive and Child Health, said the rollout marks a major milestone for public health and added that “it is a privilege to start HPV Vaccination in the District”. She informed that the vaccine will be made available at all 16 Cold Chain Points in campaign mode for the first three months before being integrated into the Universal Immunisation Programme. She stated that “This initiative aims to tackle cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer among Indian women, claiming over 42,000 lives annually”.
The Mokokchung programme was chaired by Sentirenla Longchar, Consultant, UPHC Yimyu, and was attended by ASHAs, nurses, UIP and RCH staff, and personnel from the Immunisation Centre and partner organisations.