Haroli/Una, July 27 (Rajveer Chopra): An awareness seminar on cervical cancer and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination was organized at SSRVM Senior Secondary School, Una, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Una. The objective of the program was to educate female students and their parents about cervical cancer, its causes, prevention, and the importance of HPV vaccination. Approximately 85 students and their parents participated in the event.
The keynote speakers for the program were Dr. Rampal, Block Medical Officer (BMO), Basdehra, and Dr. Pushpinder Rana, Senior Medical Officer (SMO). They explained that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a primary cause of cervical cancer and that timely HPV vaccination is a safe and effective measure to prevent the disease. They addressed the queries of the students and parents and dispelled myths associated with the vaccination.
On this occasion, the Rotary Club of Una honored six students—Vanshika, Samiksha, Garima, Priyanshi, Tanvi Rana, and Sahibjot—who had already received the HPV vaccine, and commended their praiseworthy initiative.
Representatives from the Rotary Club of Una, including Mrs. Shashi Sharma, Mrs. Reena Verma, Mr. Mahendra Verma, Mr. Ajay Sharma, Mr. Ashwani Airy, Mr. Harish Sahni, Mr. Rakesh Kailash, and Mr. Prabhjot Singh, were present at the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sumesh Kumar Sharma stated that such awareness initiatives play a crucial role in fostering a positive attitude towards health within society. He urged parents to opt for HPV vaccination based on medical advice and to spread awareness about the subject.
The school principal, Mrs. Brij Bala Sharma, expressed her gratitude to the Rotary Club of Una and the two expert doctors, noting that the school is continuously striving for the holistic development and health of its students alongside their academic growth. He stated that such awareness programs contribute significantly to building a healthy society by providing accurate information to students and parents.
A question-and-answer session was held at the conclusion of the program, in which female students and parents participated enthusiastically and had their queries addressed by expert doctors. It was also announced that appropriate arrangements for HPV vaccination would be made within the school premises for adolescent girls who consent to the vaccine, ensuring easy access to this facility. The program proved to be highly informative and inspiring for all participants.