A vaccination campaign against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) for 14-year-old girls was launched in Churachandpur on Friday as part of a nationwide initiative rolled out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 28 in Ajmer.

The programme, introduced under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aims to protect adolescent girls from Cervical Cancer, the second most common cancer among women in India. Health officials noted that nearly 99.7% of cervical cancer cases are linked to HPV infection.

Officials stated that the HPV vaccine, which has been safely administered in more than 155 countries for over 15 years, will be provided free of cost under the government programme. The campaign will run for three months in a single-age cohort mode before being integrated into the Routine Immunization Programme.

In Churachandpur district, vaccination sessions will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the District Immunization Centre as well as at Behiang PHC, Singngat CHC, Sinzawl PHC, Thanlon PHC, Sagang PHC and Saikot PHC.

The HPV vaccine, which costs around ₹4,000 per dose in the private sector, is expected to significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer by ensuring equitable access to vaccination for adolescent girls.