A two-day HPV vaccination camp organized by Natco Trust, Lions Club of Visakhapatnam Charitable Trust, and the NGO Chaitanya Sravanthi concluded on Sunday, successfully administering the vaccine to nearly 600 girls. This vaccination aims to protect against cervical cancer in the future.
The camp targeted girls aged 9 to 14 years who are children of police personnel and Home Guards. The HPV vaccine is administered in two doses, spaced six months apart.
During the camp’s inauguration on Saturday, Police Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi expressed optimism that the HPV vaccine will soon be included in the national immunization program. He praised Dr. Shirin Rahaman, president of Chaitanya Sravanthi, for leading this initiative. Additionally, he announced plans for a rally on Beach Road to raise public awareness about cervical cancer.
Commissioner Bagchi also urged NGOs and social service organizations to conduct health camps focused on other diseases such as hepatitis, pneumonia, and typhoid, noting that police personnel are often exposed to harsh weather conditions due to their round-the-clock duties.
Dr. Shirin Rahaman reassured attendees that the HPV vaccine is completely safe and urged for its expansion, especially in rural areas, to protect girls in villages. She called upon both the Central and State governments for support in this mission. Among the speakers were Dr. Sarojini, a retired District Medical and Health Officer, and Umamaheswara Rao, Managing Trustee of Lions Cancer Hospital.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/600-girls-protected-from-cervical-cancer/article70396334.ece
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Publish Date: 2025-12-14 23:09:00
