Health dept rolls out HPV campaign to protect girls From cervical cancer

Ludhiana: The health department on Thursday launched a 90-day Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign aimed at protecting adolescent girls from cervical cancer. According to the department, the campaign was formally inaugurated under the leadership of civil surgeon Dr Ramandeep Kaur. Saying that cervical cancer is among the most preventable forms of cancer if timely vaccination and awareness are ensured, she emphasised that the HPV vaccine is safe and highly effective, and appealed to parents to ensure that their daughters aged between 14 and 15 years receive the vaccine.
Dr Ramandeep Kaur said that vaccinating girls at the recommended age can greatly reduce the risk of cervical cancer later in life. She added that active participation of parents and the wider community is crucial for the success of this major public health initiative. She stressed that the campaign is an important step in ensuring better long-term health outcomes for adolescent girls.Speaking during the launch, district immunisation officer Dr Harpreet Singh said that the district administration has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure smooth implementation of the 90-day drive. He stated that vaccination sessions have been planned at 19 health facilities across Ludhiana to ensure easy access for eligible beneficiaries. He explained that all girls receiving the vaccine will be kept under observation for 30 minutes at the vaccination site, in keeping with standard safety protocols followed in all immunisation programmes.Dr Harpreet Singh also urged parents to bring their daughters to the nearest health facility and take full advantage of the campaign. He reiterated that the effort aims to ensure maximum coverage of eligible girls across the district.According to the health department, the HPV vaccination campaign will be carried out at the following health facilities: Civil Hospital Ludhiana, SDH Khanna, SDH Samrala, SDH Raikot, SDH Jagraon, CHC Sahnewal, CHC Payal, CHC Manupur, CHC Pakhowal, CHC Sidhwan Bet, CHC Koom Kalan, CHC Hathur, CHC Machiwara, CHC Sudhar, CHC Malaud, CHC Dehlon, UCGC Jawaddi, MCH Vardhman and UCHC Shimlapuri.Health authorities reiterated that the HPV vaccine is widely used globally and is recognised as an important preventive measure against cervical cancer. The department appealed to parents and guardians across Ludhiana to support the 90-day campaign and ensure that eligible girls receive the vaccine for a healthier future.