The Human Papillomavirus vaccination campaign aimed at preventing cervical cancer among adolescent girls was launched in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on February 28, aligning with the nationwide rollout inaugurated by Narendra Modi from Ajmer, Rajasthan.
In the islands, the programme was launched at the District Hospital, Garacharma, marking a significant step in expanding preventive healthcare for adolescent girls. The campaign focuses on immunising girls who have completed 14 years of age but have not yet turned 15, a group identified as eligible for the vaccine under the national guidelines.
The island-level launch was inaugurated by the Commissioner-cum-Secretary, who highlighted that cervical cancer remains one of the common cancers affecting women. Emphasis was placed on the fact that the disease is preventable through timely vaccination and early screening. The address stressed that the HPV vaccine has been established as safe and effective, and that community participation will be crucial for the programme’s success.
Parents, teachers, health workers and community members were urged to support the initiative and ensure that all eligible girls receive the vaccine within the prescribed age window. Officials expressed confidence that coordinated efforts across departments and communities would enable smooth implementation of the campaign across the islands.
The programme also saw participation from senior health officials, who outlined the public health significance of HPV vaccination in reducing the long-term burden of cervical cancer. Information was shared on eligibility criteria and access points, with parents and guardians requested to take their daughters to the nearest health facility for vaccination.
During the event, certificates were presented to participants as part of the programme proceedings. The session began with a welcome and keynote address delivered by the State Immunization Officer, who provided an overview of the campaign, its objectives and its expected impact on women’s health outcomes in the region.
The launch event concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by the Chief Medical Officer of District Hospital, Garacharma, acknowledging the contributions of officials, healthcare workers and staff involved in organising the programme.
Health department officials noted that the HPV vaccination campaign represents a preventive approach that complements existing screening and awareness initiatives. By targeting adolescents before exposure to the virus, the programme aims to significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in the coming years.
The island administration reiterated that sustained awareness, parental consent and community engagement will be central to achieving high coverage under the campaign. The launch is expected to be followed by outreach activities and vaccination sessions across healthcare facilities to ensure accessibility for eligible beneficiaries throughout the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
