Nagpur civic body begins HPV vaccination drive for girls to prevent cervical cancer

Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation has launched a vaccination campaign for adolescent girls aimed at preventing cervical cancer, with the programme targeting those in the 14 to 15 age group.

The campaign was formally launched at the Urban Primary Health Centre in Jaitala on Monday. Mayor Neeta Thakre, who inaugurated the initiative, stressed the need to spread awareness about the Human Papillomavirus vaccine among both students and parents so that eligible beneficiaries receive the dose on time.

Civic officials said the vaccination will be rolled out in phases across the city through urban primary health centres. The programme is part of a wider effort to expand preventive healthcare services and reduce the future burden of cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers among women.

Municipal Commissioner Vipin Itankar said awareness among parents would play a key role in the success of the campaign. Health authorities are also planning outreach efforts in schools to ensure wider participation.

Health Committee Chairperson Manisha Atkare said adequate vaccine stocks would be maintained to support the drive. Chief Medical Health Officer Dr Deepak Selokar added that the civic health department will monitor the rollout and gradually expand coverage across all eligible centres in the city.

Public health experts have repeatedly underlined that vaccination against HPV significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer, especially when administered during adolescence before exposure to the virus.