Mon, Phek, Tuensang, and Wokha districts launch the HPV Vaccination drive for 14-year-old girls to combat cervical cancer
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DIMAPUR — The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination drive against cervical cancer for girls aged 14 years was launched, along with the rest of the nation, in Mon, Phek, Tuensang and Wokha districts on Saturday.
Mon: In Mon, the District Health Society Mon officially launched the HPV Vaccination Programme at District Hospital, Mon.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Wungyong Konyak, District Programme Officer (RMNCHA+N), elaborated on the importance of the newly introduced HPV vaccine.
Prior to discussing the vaccine, he provided an overview of cervical cancer, its causes, risk factors, and its impact on women’s health. He said cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women and highlighted the need for preventive measures.
Dr. Wungyong informed that the vaccine is currently eligible for girls aged 14 years. He explained the documentation required for registration and uploading beneficiary details into the designated health application. He 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.
Also read: A shot at prevention: Nagaland launches HPV vaccination drive
Addressing concerns regarding safety, he clarified aspects related to Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI), assuring that monitoring and response mechanisms are in place. He also detailed the importance of maintaining the vaccine’s cold chain system to preserve its efficacy, noting that storage protocols will be followed at all vaccination points.
Among the representatives of non-governmental organisations, T Olem Konyak, Vice President of KNSK, expressed appreciation to the Government of Nagaland, the Department of Health and Family Welfare, and district health staff on behalf of the Konyak women for bringing protection to young girls through the initiative.
While extending her gratitude, she appealed to the Health department to ensure that the HPV vaccine reaches every nook and corner of Mon district.
She requested that the department explore outreach services and other strategies to administer the vaccine beyond facilities staffed with medical officers and nurses.
She noted that many families in remote areas have suffered the loss of loved ones to cervical cancer due to limited access to timely healthcare and said expanding vaccination coverage through outreach camps, mobile clinics, or community-based sessions would ensure that no eligible girl is left behind because of geographical or logistical barriers.
The HPV vaccine was officially launched by the vice president of KNSK during the programme.
Phek: In Phek, the HPV vaccination campaign was launched at the CMO conference hall, Phek.
The campaign was officially launched by Akole Vero, President of PAMA. Dr. Khriekuolie Liezietsu, DPO RMNCH & N, briefed the gathering on the introduction of the HPV vaccine and its strategy. He highlighted the benefits of the HPV vaccine and the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer. He also shared the global strategy for the elimination of cervical cancer.
The programme was attended by EAC Phek, PAMA, councillors, line departments and health staff.
Tuensang: In Tuensang, the launching of the HPV vaccination campaign was held at District Hospital Tuensang.
During the programme, Dr. Y Waulong Phom, DPO (UIP/RCH), presented a PowerPoint on the HPV vaccine campaign. A short speech was delivered by L Ason, Vice President of Chang Sao Thangjam Setshang.
Two beneficiaries received a single dose of the Gardasil 4 vaccine. The programme was attended by Mother Association Chang Sao Thangjam Setshang, CMO staff and district hospital staff.
Wokha: In Wokha, the HPV vaccination was launched at Urban Primary Health Centre, Wokha. The vaccination was launched by Dr. Thungchanbemo Ezung, Chief Medical Officer of Wokha.
Speaking at the launching programme, Dr. Ezung said the HPV vaccine is for the prevention of cervical cancer in women and is being provided free of cost by the government through the campaign. He called upon health workers to work hand in hand for the success of the vaccination campaign in the district.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Thungchanpeni Patton, DPO (RCH/UIP), 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.
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 also appealed to the ASHAs to mobilise beneficiaries for the vaccination drive.
Dr. Mhonchan N. Kithan, Medical Superintendent (MS), District Hospital Wokha, said the HPV vaccine will be administered at District Hospital Wokha from 9 am to 3 pm and sought the support of ASHAs to amplify the vaccination campaign. The first dose of the HPV vaccine was administered to a beneficiary in the presence of CMO Wokha, MS and DPO (RCH/UIP).