Raigarh, March 11: In a major public health initiative, the district administration of Raigarh in Chhattisgarh will provide free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to girls aged 9 to 14 years residing in government-run hostels and residential schools.
District Collector Mayank Chaturvedi has approved ₹26.60 lakh from the District Mineral Foundation to implement the programme, which aims to protect adolescent girls from Cervical Cancer.
Coverage Across Remote Blocks
Under the scheme, 1,583 girls living in government hostels and ashrams across remote development blocks will receive the vaccine. These include:
Udaipur–Dharamjaigarh
Gharghoda
Kharsia
Tamnar
Kapu
Lailunga
The vaccination campaign will benefit students from more than 31 gram panchayats, many of whom belong to tribal communities and travel from remote areas to pursue their education.
Why HPV Vaccination Matters
Medical experts state that nearly 99% of cervical cancer cases are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Administering the vaccine at an early age significantly reduces the risk of developing the disease later in life.
Each vaccination will cost around ₹1,800 per student, and the entire expense will be borne by the government under the approved fund.
Two-Dose Vaccination Schedule
The vaccination drive will be conducted under the supervision of the district’s Chief Medical and Health Officer. Trained health workers will administer the vaccine in two doses:
First dose: Initial vaccination
Second dose: Six months after the first dose
Officials say the initiative will play an important role in protecting the health of adolescent girls and building a safer, healthier future for students in the district.
