Sri Vijaya Puram | March 1, 2026
Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi on February 28, 2026, nationally launched the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign at Ajmer, Rajasthan, marking a significant step towards strengthening women’s health across the country. Simultaneously, the campaign was launched in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands at District Hospital, Garacharma, to safeguard adolescent girls from cervical cancer.
In the Islands, the programme was inaugurated by Dr. Sachin Shinde, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, as the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, he stated that cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women but can be effectively prevented through timely vaccination and early screening. Emphasising that the HPV vaccine is safe and effective, he urged parents, teachers, health workers and community members to extend full support to the initiative and ensure that all eligible girls receive the vaccine. He expressed confidence that with collective efforts, the campaign would be successfully implemented across the Islands.
Ms. Vandana Rao, IAS, Secretary (Health) and Managing Director, UTHM, attended the event as the guest of honour. In her address, she highlighted the crucial role of HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer. She informed that all girls in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands who have completed 14 years of age — those who have celebrated their 14th birthday but have not yet turned 15 — are eligible to receive the vaccine. She appealed to parents and guardians to take their daughters to the nearest health facility for vaccination.
The programme commenced with a welcome and keynote address by Dr. Avijit Roy, Deputy Director (Health) and State Immunization Officer. Certificates were presented by the chief guest and the guest of honour during the event.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. M. Joy, Chief Medical Officer, District Hospital Garacharma, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, officials and healthcare staff for their efforts in making the launch successful.
The launch of the HPV Vaccination Campaign marks a crucial milestone in protecting the health and future of adolescent girls in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
