Taking a step ahead for women’s health, the district administration has launched free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign for adolescent girls through the office of Chief Medical and Health Officer in Jabalpur district on Saturday. The initiative, aimed at protecting young girls from the threat of cervical cancer, was launched at the Seth Govind Das (Victoria) District Hospital under the leadership of Collector, Raghavendra Singh. The girls within 14-years age were administered with HPV vaccine. Abhishek Gehlot, CEO, Jila Panchayat, Dr. Sanjay Mishra, Chief Medical and Health Officer, Dr. Vinod Gupta,

 

District Immunization Officer and Dr. Vineeta Uppal, District Health Officer were also present. Addressing the gathering, Collector Singh emphasized that cervical cancer remains the second most prevalent form of cancer among women. Mentioning HPV a critical tool in securing the future health of adolescent girls, Collector, Singh stated that the HPV vaccine is rigorously tested for efficacy and designed to provide long-term immunity against the virus. The Collector appealed parents of 14-year-old girls to ensure their children receive this essential vaccination. CMHO Dr. Mishra highlighted the economic significance of this government-led initiative.

 

While a single dose of the HPV vaccine exceeds a market value of Rs 5,000, the Government of India is now providing it free to eligible beneficiaries. Currently, the campaign is operational across 13 designated locations within the district. Plans are underway to increase the number of vaccination centers to improve local accessibility. Dr Mishra said that this campaign represents a monumental step toward the eradication of cervical cancer.