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Meghalaya Daughters Get Free HPV Vaccine Shield
3 Sep
Summary
- Over 1,800 girls received free HPV vaccinations across Meghalaya.
- Campaign targets cervical cancer, the second-leading cancer in women.
- Low screening rates highlight the critical need for prevention.
More than 1,800 adolescent girls in Meghalaya have received free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations. The Meghalaya HPV Vaccination Campaign, initiated on February 28, is actively working to protect young women against cervical cancer. This effort is particularly vital as cervical cancer is the second-most common cancer affecting women in the state.
Despite a significant lifetime risk of cervical cancer for women in Meghalaya, screening rates remain alarmingly low, standing at only about 0.6%. This stark contrast between disease prevalence and access to screening underscores the critical importance of the ongoing HPV vaccination drive. The health department emphasized that prevention through vaccination is essential for the well-being of young girls.
Vaccination sessions are being held at government health facilities, targeting girls aged 14 to 15 years who have parental consent. These sessions are often linked with parent-teacher meetings to facilitate informed decision-making. The state is also preparing to launch an HPV screening program for eligible women soon, expanding protection to include early detection and treatment.
