More than 1,800 girls have been vaccinated so far under Meghalaya’s ongoing HPV vaccination campaign aimed at preventing cervical cancer.
Addressing mediapersons on Thursday, NHM Mission Director Ram Kumar said only around 5 per cent of eligible girls have received the HPV vaccine so far.
He said the Health Department will now intensify awareness campaigns in schools to highlight the importance and benefits of HPV vaccination.
The campaign, launched in February this year, is being implemented across all 12 districts of the State. The HPV vaccine is being provided free of cost to adolescent girls who have completed 14 years of age but are yet to turn 15.
Cervical cancer is the second leading cancer among women in Meghalaya and accounts for around 10 per cent of cancers diagnosed among women in the State.
The Health Department said vaccination sessions will continue until December 2026 at government health facilities, including Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres and State Dispensaries.
The government is also conducting awareness campaigns through local media, schools, community leaders and social media to address concerns and misinformation surrounding the HPV vaccine.
Parents and guardians of eligible girls have been urged to contact their nearest health facility, ASHA worker or ANM to avail themselves of the vaccine.
