GUWAHATI: Assam has vaccinated more than 3 lakh eligible girls under its HPV Vaccination Campaign, achieving around 93% coverage against the state target of 3.27 lakh beneficiaries.
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The progress was reviewed during a two-day State-Level Review-cum-Orientation Meeting on HPV Vaccination Campaign and Routine Immunization held in Guwahati on September 28–29.
The HPV (Human papillomavirus) vaccine protects against genital warts and most cases of cervical cancer. It protects against cancer of the vagina, vulva, penis or anus caused by HPV.
The HPV vaccine also protects against mouth, throat, head and neck cancers caused by HPV.
The vaccine gives the body a safe way to build immune system awareness of some HPV strains.
Health Minister Ashok Singhal attended the closing session and emphasised the need for coordinated efforts by state and district health teams to reach all eligible beneficiaries.
“The success of our immunisation efforts is built on the collective commitment of Health Department officials and employees, doctors, healthcare workers and district teams working tirelessly on the ground. Their dedication is vital to protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases and further strengthening Assam’s immunization system” Ashok Singhal said in a post on X.
The meeting also reviewed the implementation of Routine Immunisation services across Assam’s 35 districts.
Top-performing districts and frontline health workers, including ASHAs and ANMs, were felicitated for their efforts in taking the HPV vaccination campaign to eligible beneficiaries.
The state health department said district-level efforts will continue with the aim of achieving 100% coverage under the campaign.
“Our resolve remains clear: to ensure that every eligible child in Assam is reached with timely and appropriate immunisation” health minister added.
