A big leap by Chhattisgarh towards cervical cancer prevention, HPV vaccination campaign receiving widespread public support

A big leap by Chhattisgarh towards cervical cancer prevention, HPV vaccination campaign receiving widespread public support Korea and Balrampur achieved 100 percent vaccination against the target A strong shield against cervical cancer in Chhattisgarh, more than 1.66 lakh girls have been vaccinated Raipur – The HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccination drive, aimed at protecting 14‑year‑old girls in the state from serious diseases such as cervical cancer, is gaining momentum. More than 1.66 lakh eligible girls have already been vaccinated. Continuous dialogue by the health department with schools, communities and parents, together with extensive awareness efforts, is beginning to show positive results across the state. During the campaign, the districts of Korea and Balrampur achieved 100 percent coverage, becoming a model for the state. In these districts, coordinated efforts of the health department, education department, Mitanins, Anganwadi workers and the local community ensured that every eligible girl received the vaccine. These achievements provide an inspiring example for other districts. As with any new immunisation programme, some parents initially sought information about the safety, necessity and efficacy of the vaccine before giving consent. After sustained communication and awareness activities by the health department, a notable increase in vaccination rates is now being recorded. In most districts, large numbers of girls are vaccinated daily. In areas where coverage is relatively low, special outreach campaigns, parent meetings, school‑level dialogue sessions and door‑to‑door counselling are being carried out. As a result, new beneficiaries are continuously joining the programme and the vaccination percentage is rising rapidly. HPV infection is considered the main cause of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is an effective and scientifically proven means of preventing this cancer. The World Health Organization and various national and international health institutions have endorsed its safety and effectiveness. For this reason, many countries have incorporated the vaccine into regular public‑health programmes. The health department states that the goal of the campaign is not only to meet the set target but also to provide a protective shield to every eligible girl. With this view, vaccination and awareness activities are being conducted simultaneously across the state. In the coming days, the benefit of vaccination will be extended to the remaining eligible girls, making the campaign even more effective. The 100‑percent achievement in districts such as Korea and Balrampur, along with the steady progress in other districts, indicates that the people of Chhattisgarh are actively participating in this campaign to give their daughters a safe future free from cervical cancer.