Single-dose vaccine for 14-year-old girls aims to stop 90% of cases
Nagaland on Saturday formally rolled out the National Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Programme at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima, marking the beginning of a statewide drive to protect young girls from cervical cancer – one of the most preventable forms of cancer.
The national launch was led virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while the state-level launch was conducted by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
Speaking at the program, Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Anoop Khinchi, said that 90.79% of cervical cancer cases are caused by persistent infection by high-risk types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
He emphasized that although cervical cancer affects women in their prime age, it is 100% preventable through vaccination.
What parents need to know
• The vaccine will be given to all eligible 14-year-old girls
• It is a single-dose vaccine
• It will be available free of cost
• It will be provided at all government health facilities
• The drive will continue for three months
• The vaccine will be available daily during routine immunization sessions
Health officials clarified that the vaccine being administered is Gardasil-4, which has been widely used internationally to prevent HPV-related diseases.
Officials urged parents and guardians to ensure eligible girls receive the vaccine during the campaign period.
