“Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in India, claiming approximately 80,000 lives annually. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for nearly 99% of these cases. The HPV vaccine is not merely a medical injection, it’s a lifelong shield for our daughters. Administering this single-dose vaccine to girls aged 14 provides 93% to 100% protection against the primary cancer-causing strains. To deny a child this protection based on unverified rumors is a disservice to her future,” stated the Regional Director, Health Services, Dr Sanjay Mishra, while addressing a media orientation workshop at the Regional Director of Health Services office on Monday. The session focused on the ongoing three-month Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, which commenced across the district on February 28. The Regional Director talked about the critical role of HPV vaccination in eradicating cervical cancer. While the drive has seen significant participation across Government health facilities, he expressed grave concern over ‘malicious misinformation’ being circulated by Doctors’ panel addresses... Contd from page 1 certain elements to discourage families from participating. The workshop was addressed by a panel of medical authorities including Regional Director, Health Services, Dr Sanjay Mishra, Senior Gynaecologist, Jabalpur Hospital and Research Centre, Dr Sangeeta Srivastava and President, Jabalpur Obstetrics and Gynaecological Society (JOGS), Dr Rakhi Bajpai (President of JOGS).

 

The speakers provided scientific data regarding cervical cancer prevention and addressed the critical role of media in disseminating accurate public health information. The medical experts emphasised the safety and efficacy of the vaccine to counter misinformation currently circulating on social media platforms. Dr Rakhi Bajpai detailed the link between Human Papillomavirus and cervical cancer, highlighting the long-term health implications for women if left unvaccinated. Dr Sangeeta Srivastava said that prevention is always better than cure. The HPV vaccine has been administered globally and in private Indian medical facilities for over 25 years. Both the women doctors categorically refuted claims regarding infertility or adverse side effects, stating that the vaccine is scientifically proven to be 99% effective in preventing cervical cancer. Millions of doses have been administered to adolescent girls worldwide without any documented systemic long-term health risks. The workshop concluded with a call for media professionals to prioritise factual reporting and assist the Health Department in neutralising baseless rumors that may hinder the success of this critical public health initiative.