ITANAGAR, Feb 28: Following the nationwide launch of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Programme by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Ajmer, Rajasthan on Saturday, Arunachal Pradesh formally rolled out the programme at a function held at Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) here, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of young girls in the state.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu, accompanied by Health Minister Biyuram Wahge and senior officials of the Health & Family Welfare Department, joined the countrywide campaign and launched the state-level drive aimed at protecting adolescent girls against cervical cancer.
Marking a major milestone in strengthening preventive healthcare in Arunachal Pradesh, vaccination of beneficiaries began immediately after the launch. The Chief Minister handed over HPV vaccination certificates to the first five 14-year-old recipients.
The programme targets girls in the 14–15 years age group across all States and Union Territories. For Arunachal Pradesh, a target of approximately 19,500 girls has been set for the current phase, to be completed within three months.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described the initiative as “a very significant programme” and “another milestone the country has taken under the leadership of the Prime Minister.” Congratulating the people of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly women and young girls, Khandu said the launch marks an important step towards securing their health and future.
Highlighting the seriousness of cervical cancer, he cited recent data indicating that in 2024 alone, nearly 78,500 new cases were reported in India, with around 42,000 deaths. “These were not just statistics. They were mothers, sisters and daughters whose lives were cut short,” he said.
He stressed that nearly 99.7 per cent of cervical cancer cases in India are caused by persistent infection with HPV, making vaccination a powerful preventive tool. “The good news is that this is one cancer which can be prevented through vaccination,” he said, adding that over 50 crore doses have been administered globally with encouraging safety and efficacy records.
Reassuring young beneficiaries present at the event, Khandu said there was no need for apprehension, describing the vaccine as safe and effective. “There is no need to be nervous. I too have a daughter, and she has already taken the HPV vaccine. It is absolutely safe,” he remarked.
The vaccination drive will be carried out through the state’s health infrastructure, including 136 Primary Health Centres, 58 Community Health Centres and 21 District Hospitals, including TRIHMS.
Emphasizing inter-departmental coordination, Khandu noted that the Education Department would play a key role in awareness generation in schools, while medical officers, community health officers, ANMs, Anganwadi workers and ASHAs would work collectively to ensure maximum coverage. He urged District Medical Officers to coordinate closely with Deputy Commissioners and educational institutions to achieve the target within the stipulated timeframe.
While focusing on cervical cancer prevention, the Chief Minister also expressed concern over the rising incidence of other cancers and lifestyle diseases such as hypertension and diabetes in the state. He called for greater public awareness and discipline in lifestyle and food habits, and suggested organizing dedicated workshops on cancer prevention and lifestyle management.
He acknowledged the support of partner organisations such as UNICEF and UNDP, along with other technical agencies, for their continued assistance to the state government.
Describing the programme as a major opportunity to ensure a healthier and empowered future for women and girls, Khandu thanked the Prime Minister for the initiative and called for collective commitment to build a cancer-free Arunachal Pradesh.
Health Minister Biyuram Wahge termed the day a significant milestone for the health sector of Arunachal Pradesh. He informed that the department has made comprehensive preparations to vaccinate 19,476 girls aged 14 years across the state over the next three months.
Noting that cervical cancer is one of the leading cancers among women, with nearly 99.7 per cent of cases caused by HPV infection, Wahge said the campaign represents a decisive step towards building a “Cancer-Free Arunachal.”
He appealed to parents, guardians, teachers, community leaders, youth associations, ASHA and Anganwadi workers to extend full cooperation, spread awareness, and ensure that every eligible girl is protected from the risk of cervical cancer.