Mokokchung, Longleng and Peren districts launch HPV vaccination drive for 14-year-old girls to prevent cervical cancer.
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DIMAPUR — The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive for girls aged 14 was launched in Mokokchung, Longleng and Peren districts.
Mokokchung: In Mokokchung, the HPV vaccination drive was launched at the Immunisation Centre, Dr. Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH), on Monday by Kewimesin Nriame, EAC Mokokchung, in the presence of Dr. Takosunep, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, and Dr. Imlisenba Lemtur, paediatrician, IMDH Mokokchung.
Addressing the participants, Dr Limanaro, DPO (UIP & RCH) Mokokchung, stated that the rolling out of the HPV vaccination drive is a major milestone for public health in India.
She informed that the vaccine will be made available in all the 16 cold chain points (CCPs) in campaign mode for the first three months, and thereafter it will be officially integrated into the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) by the Government of India. The HPV vaccine will be available free of cost at government facilities like primary health centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs) and the district hospital.
Also read: A shot at prevention: Nagaland launches HPV vaccination drive
She highlighted the vaccine to be one of the most successful cancer-prevention tools ever developed, as per studies. The HPV vaccine will be administered to adolescent girls in the age group of 14 years as its primary focus, targeting HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for nearly 80% of cervical cancer cases in India.
Talking on the HPV vaccination campaign, she added that this initiative aims to tackle cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer among Indian women, claiming over 42,000 lives annually. Which, as per NPCR-ICMR data estimates, is about 79,103 new cases and 34,805 deaths due to cervical cancer in the year 2022. The government is initially using Gardasil (a quadrivalent vaccine by MSD), a single-dose vaccine provided in partnership with Gavi.
While launching the drive, Nriame encouraged the participants, especially the young girls, to encourage their peers to come forward for vaccination.
Longleng: In Longleng, the District Health Society officially launched the campaign at the District Hospital, Longleng. The programme was attended by Deputy Commissioner of Longleng W Manpai Phom as the special guest.
In his keynote speech, Dr. Imtijungshi Aier highlighted that the HPV vaccine protects against cervical cancer. He stated that the vaccine will be administered to adolescent girls of 14 years of age. He further stated that the vaccine has been proven safe and effective.
Dr. Nounenuo Terhase, a gynaecologist at District Hospital Longleng, highlighted the prevalence of cervical cancer and stressed the need for all girls of 14 years to take the HPV vaccine to protect themselves.
Addressing the gathering, the DC stressed the importance of vaccination and encouraged all eligible girls to receive the HPV vaccine. He affirmed that the vaccine is scientifically proven to be safe and effective in preventing cervical cancer.
He also urged schools and community leaders to actively participate in the vaccination drive to ensure maximum coverage across the district. The deputy commissioner highlighted the need for widespread awareness among students, parents, and communities to promote acceptance and understanding of the vaccine.
Peren: In Peren, the drive was launched at District Hospital, Peren.
Dr. Velentina Neikha, DPO (RCH & UIP), in her keynote address, elaborated on the importance of the newly introduced HPV vaccine.
She informed that the vaccination drive launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will administer the free HPV vaccine, Gardasil 4, to beneficiaries at government health centres during routine immunisation in the district.
She provided an overview of cervical cancer, its causes, risk factors, and its impact on women’s health. She said cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women and highlighted the need for preventive measures.
She explained the documentation required for registration and uploading beneficiary details into the designated health application. She further outlined the vaccination sites across the district, stating that the vaccine will be administered at designated health facilities where qualified doctors and nurses are available to ensure safe delivery.
She said the HPV vaccine was first globally launched in 2006. She said one of the visions of the world is to eliminate cervical cancer by vaccinating girls of fourteen years of age with the HPV vaccine.
Pelingrangle, President of PTWWO, in her short speech assured that they will give their best to reach out to all the eligible beneficiaries and educate the community.
The launching programme was attended by councillors, Peren Town Council, PTWWO, students, AWW, ASHAs, stakeholders and the medical fraternity.