Sikkim joins launch of national HPV vaccination campaign

GANGTOK, (IPR): Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay virtually attended the launch of the National Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign at Samman Bhawan here on Saturday.

The national launch was led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Ajmer in Rajasthan.

The campaign has been initiated under the National Health Mission of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, with the objective of preventing cervical cancer among adolescent girls through timely vaccination.

In his address, the Prime Minister described the HPV vaccination drive as a major step towards strengthening preventive healthcare and securing the well-being of young girls. He also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth approximately Rs 17,000 crore in Rajasthan and distributed appointment letters to more than 21,000 youth. Emphasising infrastructure and renewable energy initiatives, he noted that improved connectivity and schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme are contributing to economic growth and financial savings for households.

Addressing the gathering at Samman Bhawan, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay highlighted the importance of the HPV vaccine as a crucial preventive measure, particularly for girls aged 14 years. He observed that cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women and stressed that early vaccination is essential for effective prevention. He informed that the vaccine would be administered free of cost at designated government health facilities across the State.

The Chief Minister further stated that Sikkim has consistently prioritised the health sector, with sustained efforts to strengthen primary healthcare services, expand immunisation coverage, upgrade district hospitals and improve access to specialised treatment. He added that the State Government remains committed to enhancing preventive and promotive healthcare initiatives, ensuring that essential medical services reach even the remotest areas. He urged parents, teachers and healthcare workers to actively support the campaign and create widespread awareness about the importance of timely vaccination.

As part of the launch event at Samman Bhawan, nine students from Modern Senior Secondary School and PM Shri Senior Secondary School, Deorali, were administered the vaccine by medical practitioners. Each dose comprises 0.5 mL of Gardasil 9, which provides protection against nine types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and is administered through injection.

The HPV vaccine protects against infections caused by the human papillomavirus, a common virus transmitted through intimate contact. It significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer and also offers protection against other HPV-related cancers, including anal, oropharyngeal, penile, vulvar and vaginal cancers, as well as genital warts. The programme aims to cover approximately 1.15 crore girls aged 14 years annually across all States and Union Territories.

Also present at the programme were the Minister for Health and Family Welfare, G.T. Dhungel; Cabinet Secretary V.B. Pathak; Chief Secretary R. Telang; Principal Secretary, Education department, Sandeep Tambe; Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Tshewang Gyachho; Secretary, Higher Education, Education department, Tashi Chopel Lepcha; Secretary, Women & Child, Senior Citizens & Divyangjan Welfare department, Normit Lepcha; senior officials of the Health and Family Welfare department; and students from the participating schools.