Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 28: Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, nationally launched the HPV Vaccination Campaign at Ajmer, Rajasthan marking an important step towards improving women’s health across the country. Simultaneously, the HPV Vaccination Campaign was launched in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands at the District Hospital, Garacharma today to protect adolescent girls from cervical cancer.
In A&N Islands, the programme was inaugurated by Dr. Sachin Shinde, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, as the chief guest. In his address, he said that cervical cancer is one of the common cancers among women, but it can be prevented through vaccination and early screening. He explained that the HPV vaccine is safe and effective. He urged parents, teachers, health workers, and community members to support the programme and ensure that all eligible girls receive the vaccine. He expressed hope that with everyone’s cooperation, the programme will be successfully implemented in the Islands.
Ms. Vandana Rao, IAS, Secretary (Health) and Managing Director, UTHM, attended the programme as the guest of honour. In her speech, she explained the importance of HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer. She informed that all girls in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands who have completed 14 years of age (those who have celebrated their 14th birthday but have not yet turned 15) are eligible for the vaccine. She requested parents and guardians to take their daughters to the nearest health facility for vaccination.
Certificates were presented by the chief guest and the guest of honour during the programme. The programme began with a welcome and keynote address by Dr. Avijit Roy, Deputy Director (Health) and State Immunization Officer.
The programme ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. M. Joy, Chief Medical Officer, District Hospital Garacharma. He thanked all dignitaries, officials, and staff members for their support in making the launch successful.
The launch of the HPV Vaccination Campaign is an important step towards protecting the health and future of adolescent girls in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.