State-level HPV vaccination campaign begins; around 39,000 14-year-old girls in state eligible for inoculation
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 28: Initiating a fight against cervical cancer, the Meghalaya government on Saturday launched the National Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in the state capital, in alignment with the national launch by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Rajasthan.
Held at Ganesh Das Hospital, Lawmali, the state-level programme was led by Ramakrishna Chitturi, Additional Secretary of Health and Family Welfare and Mission Director of the National Health Mission, Meghalaya, in the presence of senior government officials, health professionals and development partners.
According to a statement here, the initiative was officially inaugurated by nine 14-year-old girls, who became the first beneficiaries of the HPV vaccine in the state.
Delivering the keynote address, State Immunisation Officer Dr PR Marak provided a brief outline and explained the guidelines of the vaccination campaign.
Dr Shailinia Syiem, a gynaecologist and president of the State O&G Society, FOGSI, provided a detailed presentation on the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer.
She highlighted the importance of administering the vaccine to the correct age group—specifically 14-year-old girls—noting that it is the only cancer-preventing vaccine available.
Dr Syiem pointed out that early administration yields a success rate of over 90%. “Women in their 20s up to 45 years of age can also receive the vaccine, gaining up to 88% protection when combined with regular screenings,” she said, adding that HPV can also affect boys and men.
The programme also featured additional talks by Dr Angel Kharduit, DMHO of East Khasi Hills, and Dr Rapbor Laloo, District DIO of East Khasi Hills. Village Health Council (VHC) members from Nongmensong and Rynjah, along with the Headman of Mawlai, were also part of the programme.
It may be mentioned that the campaign comes at a critical time, as cervical cancer remains one of the most serious public health challenges and the second most common cancer among women in India.
“In 2024 alone, the country recorded an estimated 78,499 new cases and over 42,000 deaths. In Meghalaya, diagnosed cases have risen sharply from 27 in 2020-21 to 332 by 2025–26, bringing attention to the urgent need for preventive measures. Scientific evidence indicates that 99.7% of cervical cancer cases are caused by persistent infection with high-risk HPV types, predominantly types 16 and 18 in India,” the statement said.
The single-dose Gardasil-4 vaccine is available for free at any government-run health facility across the state. The campaign is targeting an estimated 39,000 eligible 14-year-old girls in Meghalaya.
Vaccinations are being conducted at 187 planning units, including Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres and District Hospitals, supported by over 9,121 trained health personnel comprising doctors, nurses, ANMs and ASHA workers.
To ensure safety, 144 health facilities have been designated to function round-the-clock to monitor and manage any Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI).
“All beneficiaries must register on the U-WIN digital platform prior to vaccination, where they can later download their certificates. The intensive campaign will run for three months before being integrated into routine immunisation services. Vaccination remains voluntary, and parental or guardian consent is mandatory prior to administration,” the statement said.
