Jagdalpur, March 16:
A major public health initiative aimed at protecting adolescent girls from cervical cancer began in Jagdalpur, where the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign was formally launched at Maharani District Hospital.
The campaign was inaugurated by Mayor Sanjay Pandey in the presence of district officials and health authorities, under the guidance of Bastar Collector Aakash Chhikara. The initiative aims to safeguard adolescent girls from Cervical Cancer, a serious but preventable disease.
Free HPV vaccine for adolescent girls
Addressing the gathering, the mayor said the vaccination drive marks an important milestone in ensuring a healthier future for girls in Bastar. He highlighted that although the HPV vaccine is expensive in the private market, the government is providing it free of cost to protect young girls from the disease.
The campaign specifically targets girls aged 14–15 years, and parents have been encouraged to ensure their daughters receive the vaccine.
Digital vaccination system
The programme is being implemented using the U‑WIN Portal, enabling digital management of the entire vaccination process. The system allows:
Online registration of beneficiaries
Real-time vaccination records
Immediate generation of digital e-certificates
Officials said the digital platform enhances transparency, efficiency and monitoring of the vaccination drive.
Strong participation from health officials
The launch event was attended by several local representatives and health officials, including Municipal Chairman Khem Singh Devangan, council member Nirmal Panigrahi, Joint Director of Health Dr Mahesh Sandia, Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Sanjay Basak, Civil Surgeon Dr Sanjay Prasad, and National Health Mission district programme manager Reena Lakshmi.
Health workers and paramedical staff carried out the first round of vaccinations during the launch event.
Officials said the administration is committed to reaching every eligible adolescent girl in Bastar district, with the broader goal of making the region cervical cancer-free in the coming years.
