The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for 14‑year‑old girls was launched in Churachandpur district today, following the nationwide rollout by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 28 in Ajmer, Rajasthan. The initiative, introduced under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, aims to protect adolescent girls from cervical cancer, the second leading cancer among women in India, with nearly 99.7% of cases linked to HPV.
Health officials said the vaccine, which has been safely administered in 155 countries for over 15 years, will be provided free of cost under the government programme. The campaign will run for three months in a single‑age cohort mode before being integrated into the Routine Immunization Programme. In Churachandpur, vaccinations will be conducted every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the District Immunization Centre, Behiang PHC, Singngat CHC, Sinzawl PHC, Thanlon PHC, Sagang PHC and Saikot PHC. The HPV vaccine, which costs around ₹4,000 per dose in the private sector, is expected to significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer by ensuring equitable access for adolescent girls.
