To prevent cervical cancer, Hry launches free HPV vaccination campaign for girls

Kurukshetra: Haryana chief minister (CM) Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday said the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine would act as a strong shield for girls' health and self-confidence by significantly reducing the risk of cervical cancer. Launching the state-wide HPV vaccination campaign from Ladwa, the CM emphasised that the initiative reflects the govt's unwavering commitment to ensuring a healthy and secure future for girls.Addressing a gathering at Shri Ram Kundi Dharamshala, CM Saini said the nationwide HPV vaccination drive was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underlining a decisive push to prevent a largely avoidable disease. Cervical cancer, he noted, is the 2nd most common cancer among women in India and is caused by HPV, which can be effectively prevented through vaccination. During the event, the CM and Haryana health minister Aarti Singh Rao formally launched the state campaign and honoured girls who received the vaccine by presenting certificates. On the 1st day, 40 girls were vaccinated—5 in the presence of the CM and 35 at a health facility. The leaders also virtually witnessed the national launch of the campaign from Ajmer by the Prime Minister. Both leaders later inaugurated a newly constructed Primary Health Centre (PHC) building in Barot village, built at a cost of Rs 3.68 crore, strengthening grassroots healthcare infrastructure. Saini announced that over the next 3 months, the HPV vaccine would be administered free of cost to all eligible girls aged up to 14 years across Haryana. He stressed that the vaccine is scientifically validated, completely safe, and already in use in more than 160 countries. While the vaccine is expensive in the private sector, the govt is providing it free to ensure equitable access. Health minister Aarti Singh Rao highlighted that online registration would be done through the U-WIN portal, with digital vaccination certificates issued to every beneficiary, aligning with the Digital India vision. She also noted that the state provides Rs 3,200 per month as financial assistance to advanced-stage cancer patients, benefiting over 5,800 people so far.Ends MSID:: 128887886 413 |