Lucknow, February 4: On the occasion of World Cancer Day, a significant initiative has been launched in Uttar Pradesh aimed at eradicating cervical cancer. Under the guidance and presence of Governor Anandiben Patel, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Wednesday at Jan Bhawan, Lucknow, between the Serum Institute of India, Pune, and Jan Bhawan, Uttar Pradesh, to implement an HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination campaign.
This MoU will provide free HPV vaccinations to girls aged 9 to 14 residing in tribal and marginalized areas of eight aspirational districts: Chitrakoot, Fatehpur, Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Siddharthnagar, Chandauli, and Sonbhadra.
Approximately 150,000 girls will receive a total of 300,000 vaccine doses at no cost. The MoU was signed by Dr. Sudhir Mahadev Bobde, Special Executive Officer (level of Additional Chief Secretary) from Jan Bhawan, and Colonel Sandeep Kaushal, head of the Serum Institute of India.
The formal launch of the campaign took place at the Jan Bhawan premises, where 25 girls from the Eklavya Model Residential School in Bahraich received free HPV vaccinations. Governor Anandiben Patel emphasized that timely HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 will play a crucial role in protecting them from serious diseases like cervical cancer in the future.
She noted that the impact of cancer extends beyond the individual, affecting entire families. Therefore, initiatives like vaccine production and free vaccination are commendable and beneficial to the public.
The Governor highlighted that the cervical cancer eradication initiative was first launched by Jan Bhawan, which vaccinated girls in its facilities before expanding it statewide. She also praised the active participation of non-governmental organizations in this campaign. So far, nearly 40,000 girls in the state have received free HPV vaccinations under this initiative.
Governor Patel encouraged girls to lead empowered, healthy, and mentally vibrant lives, emphasizing the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet. She advised increased consumption of millets, vegetables, and lentils, and stressed the need for regular monitoring of midday meal quality in schools.
She urged teachers to personally check the quality of the food and consume the same meals. The Governor instructed officials to ensure that all three doses of the HPV vaccine are administered to the girls on time and that vaccination certificates are provided to facilitate the administration of subsequent doses.
She concluded by stating that saving girls’ lives, educating them, and providing nutritious food is a highly virtuous task for society.