600 girls protected from cervical cancer

By Admin

15 Dec, 2025

A significant step towards safeguarding the health of young girls was taken with the successful conclusion of a two-day HPV vaccination camp, where nearly 600 girls were protected against cervical cancer. The camp was jointly organised by Natco Trust, Lions Club of Visakhapatnam Charitable Trust, and Chaitanya Sravanthi, an NGO, and concluded on Sunday.

Focus on Preventive Healthcare for Young Girls

The vaccination drive was specifically organised for girl children of police personnel and Home Guards, aged between 9 and 14 years. The HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine, which is administered in two doses six months apart, plays a crucial role in preventing cervical cancer later in life. By targeting this age group, the initiative ensured timely and effective protection before exposure to the virus.

Inauguration and Official Support

Police Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi inaugurated the camp on Saturday and lauded the initiative for addressing an important public health concern. He expressed hope that the HPV vaccine would soon be included in the national immunisation programme, making it accessible to a larger population. Appreciating the efforts of Dr. Shirin Rahaman, President of Chaitanya Sravanthi, he highlighted the importance of such preventive healthcare initiatives.

To further spread awareness, the Commissioner announced that the police department would soon organise a rally on Beach Road to educate the public about cervical cancer and the importance of vaccination. He also urged NGOs and social service organisations to conduct health camps for diseases such as hepatitis, pneumonia, and typhoid, noting that police personnel who work round the clock are often exposed to harsh weather conditions.

Safety, Awareness, and Expansion to Rural Areas

Addressing concerns related to vaccination, Dr. Shirin Rahaman assured parents and guardians that the HPV vaccine is completely safe and there is no cause for worry. While acknowledging that the vaccine is expensive, she strongly advocated for expanding the HPV vaccination programme to rural areas to ensure girls in villages are equally protected. She appealed to both the Central and State governments to support and strengthen this mission for wider outreach.

Voices Supporting the Initiative

The programme also saw participation from prominent medical and social service professionals. Dr. Sarojini, a retired DM&HO, and Umamaheswara Rao, Managing Trustee of Lions Cancer Hospital, shared their insights and emphasised the importance of preventive healthcare and early intervention in reducing the burden of cancer.

A Step Towards a Healthier Future

This HPV vaccination camp stands as a commendable example of collaboration between trusts, NGOs, and authorities to protect future generations. By vaccinating nearly 600 girls, the initiative not only safeguarded individual lives but also contributed to building awareness and momentum towards a cervical cancer-free future.