Dimapur, March 2 (MExN): The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for girls aged 14 years was launched across multiple districts in Nagaland on March 2, following the nationwide rollout on February 28.
At District Hospital Peren, the campaign was launched with Dr Velentina Neikha, DPO (RCH & UIP), delivering the keynote address. Pelingrangle, President, PTWWO, assured that they would reach out to eligible beneficiaries and educate the community. The programme was chaired by Dr Avika P Jimo, MO, while Hosea Apon, Head Pharmacist, invoked God’s blessing. Councillors of Peren Town Council, PTWWO members, students, AWWs, ASHAs, stakeholders and medical staff attended the programme.
In Mokokchung, the vaccine was launched at the Immunization Centre, Dr Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital, by Kewimesin Nriame, EAC NCS, Mokokchung, in the presence of Dr Takosunep, Dy CMO, and Dr Imlisenba Lemtur, Pediatrician.
Dr Limanaro, DPO (UIP & RCH), said that “it is a privilege to start HPV Vaccination in the District” and termed the rollout a major milestone for public health in India. She informed that the vaccine will be made available in all 16 Cold Chain Points in campaign mode for the first three months and thereafter integrated into the Universal Immunization Programme.
She stated that the HPV vaccine targets types 16 and 18, which are responsible for nearly 80% of cervical cancer cases in India. Speaking on the campaign, she said, “This initiative aims to tackle cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer among Indian women, claiming over 42,000 lives annually.” She cited NPCR-ICMR data estimating about 79,103 new cases and 34,805 deaths due to cervical cancer in 2022.
Kewimesin Nriame said, “the launching of HPV vaccine in the District is a privilege for young adolescent girls” and encouraged eligible girls to come forward for vaccination.
In Dimapur, the campaign was launched at District Hospital Dimapur by Chief Medical Officer Dr T Yetovi Tuccu. He stated that cervical cancer is a significant public health concern and that it is caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and is the only cancer which can be prevented by a vaccine. He informed that while the HPV vaccination programme started globally in 2006 and has been available in private health facilities in India since 2008, India has now introduced it in the national programme.
He said the vaccine will be available free of cost to all girls aged 14 who have not yet celebrated their 15th birthday and that the campaign will follow a single-dose schedule for three months.
In Dimapur district, the vaccine will be available at nine Cold Chain Points including District Hospital Dimapur, Burma Camp U-PHC, Duncan U-PHC, Chumukedima PHC, Dhansiripar CHC, Medziphema CHC, Niuland CHC, Singrijan PHC and Kuhuboto PHC. He cautioned the public against “Fake News” about vaccines and advised contacting the Office of the Chief Medical Officer for queries. Four girls were administered the HPV vaccine during the launch programme.
In Longleng, the HPV vaccination campaign was launched at District Hospital Longleng in the presence of Deputy Commissioner W Manpai Phom, NCS. In his address, Dr Imtijungshi Aier stated that the HPV vaccine protects against cervical cancer and will be administered to adolescent girls aged 14 years. Dr Nounenuo Terhase, Gynaecologist, highlighted the prevalence of cervical cancer and called upon eligible girls to take the vaccine.
The DC Longleng encouraged all eligible girls to receive the vaccine and urged schools and community leaders to participate in the drive to ensure maximum coverage. He also stressed the need to create awareness among students, parents and communities to promote acceptance of the vaccine.
