The Interview Times
The Odisha government is set to launch a free statewide immunisation programme on February 28, aimed at protecting adolescent girls from cervical cancer through the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. This initiative aligns with the nationwide HPV vaccination drive, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate from Ajmer, Rajasthan, on the same day, with virtual participation from all states and Union territories.
During a blood drive in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling made the announcement. He affirmed that Mohan Charan Majhi, the chief minister, will spearhead the state-level launch. Under the initiative, all government health centers will provide a free single dosage of the HPV vaccination to girls up to the age of 14. “We are currently examining the standard operating procedure (SOP) released by the Ministry of Health for the purpose and discussing the modalities of the HPV vaccination drive for girls over 14 years of age, who must receive three doses of the vaccine,” he continued.
The initiative is a part of India’s larger campaign against cervical cancer, the second most frequent malignancy among women in the nation and a preventable illness. The vaccination would first be given to females up to the age of 14, reaching over 2.5 lakh recipients throughout the state, according to Director of Family Welfare Shakti Mishra. “There are no adverse effects from the vaccine, and it will be made available to women up to the age of 40 in phases, beginning with a three-month primary rollout,” he stated.
The process of vaccination will be integrated with the U-WIN digital platform, similar to the CoWIN system used during the massive COVID-19 vaccination drive starting from early 2021. Like during the COVID vaccination programme, slot booking and certification will be digitised.
