Una, August 06: Assistant Commissioner Vinay Modi emphasized the need for extensive publicity and public awareness regarding the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination campaign, which is being conducted until August 31, 2026, to prevent cervical cancer. He stated that to ensure the campaign's success, all relevant departments should coordinate effectively and achieve the set targets within the stipulated timeframe.
Presiding over a review meeting of the HPV vaccination campaign organized by the Health Department on Thursday, he noted that this vaccination drive is being implemented nationwide to prevent cervical cancer. Under this initiative, girls in the 14–15 age group are being vaccinated. He directed Health Department officials to conduct special public awareness campaigns at the block level—through Block Medical Officers—to inform the maximum number of people about the importance of this vaccination.
He mentioned that a target has been set in the district under 'Mission 4500' to vaccinate eligible girls aged 14 to 15 years. So far, 1,097 girls have been successfully vaccinated under the campaign, representing approximately 25 percent of the set target. He urged the Education Department, Panchayati Raj Institutions, ICDS, social organizations, and other concerned departments to work in coordination to accelerate the campaign, ensuring that every eligible girl is reached in a timely manner and the target is achieved within the designated period.
*Special emphasis on raising parental awareness*
The Assistant Commissioner stated that the HPV vaccine is completely safe and scientifically proven, playing an effective role in preventing serious diseases like cervical cancer. He urged parents not to pay heed to any rumors or misleading information and to ensure their daughters aged 14 to 15 years get vaccinated on time. He remarked that disseminating accurate and scientific information to the public is crucial for the campaign's success. He instructed all Block Medical Officers to hold meetings with school nodal officers and the *Pradhans* (village heads) and *Up-Pradhans* (deputy village heads) of their respective areas before organizing vaccination camps in schools. During these meetings, specialist doctors should counsel parents to address all their concerns, ensuring that no eligible girl misses out on the vaccination.
The Assistant Commissioner called upon all concerned departments, the Rotary Club Una, Anganwadi workers, and various social organizations to extend active cooperation in making the campaign a success.
Earlier, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sanjeev Verma provided details regarding the activities undertaken and the progress made so far under the district's HPV vaccination campaign.
Efforts aimed at making the HPV vaccination campaign successful were reviewed during the meeting, and officials from the concerned departments presented their suggestions.
The meeting was attended by District Immunization Officer Dr. Richa Kalia, District AYUSH Officer Dr. Kiran Sharma, all Block Medical Officers, Deputy Director (Higher Education) Anil Kumar, Deputy Director (Elementary Education) Som Lal Dhiman, District Programme Officer (ICDS) Harish Mishra, Ajay Sharma from the Rotary Club, and Ritika (Nursing Officer, Mount Carmel School), along with officials from various other departments.