A district-wide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive was launched today from Government Medical College Kathua to protect adolescent girls against cervical cancer caused by HPV. The campaign is being implemented by the District Health Department in coordination with the School Education and other allied departments.
Member Legislative Assembly Kathua, Dr. Bharat Bhushan and Deputy Commissioner, Rajesh Sharma inaugurated the drive and flagged off the phased immunization campaign across the district. The MLA highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare and awareness in reducing the incidence of life-threatening diseases.
He said that cervical cancer remains a major health concern among women and emphasized that timely vaccination is a safe and effective preventive measure. The DC reiterated the district administration’s commitment towards strengthening public health initiatives and informed that the vaccination drive will be conducted in a phased manner across 27 designated centres in the district.
He directed the concerned officers to ensure strict adherence to cold chain protocols, effective awareness generation and close inter-departmental coordination for achieving cent percent target coverage. He called upon parents, teachers and community leaders to actively support the campaign to ensure maximum coverage.
The Chief Medical Officer Dr Vijay Raina informed that the vaccination drive would target girls in the eligible age group as per Government of India guidelines and assured that adequate arrangements have been put in place for smooth implementation of the programme. Among others present included Principal GMC, Dr Surinder Attri; Chief Education Officer Kewal Krishan and officers from different departments.