Nagaland marked a significant milestone in its public health journey with the formal launch of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Programme across Mon, Tuensang, Phek, and Wokha districts. The initiative, part of a nationwide campaign, aims to protect adolescent girls from cervical cancer—a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.
MON: At District Hospital Mon, the programme was spearheaded by Dr. Wungyong Konyak, District Programme Officer (RMNCHA+N). In his address, Dr. Wungyong underscored the importance of HPV vaccination in reducing cervical cancer mortality and explained the documentation process, registration protocols, and vaccination sites across the district. He assured the public of the vaccine’s safety, elaborating on monitoring mechanisms for Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) and stressing the importance of maintaining the cold chain system.
On behalf of Konyak women, T. Olem Konyak, Vice President of the Konyak Students’ Union (KNSK), expressed gratitude to the Government of Nagaland and the Department of Health & Family Welfare for introducing the life-saving initiative. She described the launch as “historic and transformative” and appealed for outreach services to ensure coverage in remote areas.
The programme was formally launched by the Vice President of KNSK and chaired by Bangchem Phom, Vaccinator. Invocation was offered by Chaplain David Konyak, while Dr. Lily Monyu, Dental Surgeon (RBSK), delivered the vote of thanks. Representatives from KNSK, KBBB, the Social Welfare Department, private school associations, women pastors, and ward representatives actively participated.
Tuensang: At District Hospital Tuensang, the campaign was launched with a detailed presentation by Dr. Y. Waulong Phom, District Programme Officer (UIP/RCH). He outlined the objectives of the vaccination drive and its role in preventing cervical cancer.
Vice president of Changsao Thangjam Setshang, L. Ason, delivered a short speech, while two beneficiaries received their first dose of Gardasil-4 vaccine during the event. The programme was chaired by Putusola, DCM, with a dedicatory prayer offered by Chaplain Kamchila. The launch witnessed active participation from the Mother Association Changsao Thangjan Setshang, CMO staff, and district hospital staff.
Phek: The HPV vaccination campaign was also launched at the CMO Conference Hall, Phek. The programme was officially inaugurated by PAMA president, Akole Vero. Delivering the briefing, Dr. Khriekuolie Liezietsu, District Programme Officer (RMNCH & N), explained the benefits of the vaccine, the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer, and shared the global strategy for its elimination. He informed that all girls aged 14 years will be vaccinated during the three-month campaign.
The programme was chaired by DPM (NHM), Sedeu Rupreo, with invocation pronounced by Chaplain Vesivo Chizo. The vote of thanks was delivered by VCCM, Zuvutho. The launch was attended by EAC Phek, PAMA members, councillors, line departments, and health staff. Dr. Liezietsu emphasized that the campaign represents a collective effort to protect young girls and aligns with the nationwide initiative to eliminate cervical cancer through preventive measures.
Wokha: In Wokha, the HPV vaccination campaign was launched at the Urban Primary Health Centre by Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Thungchanbemo Ezung. In his address, Dr. Ezung highlighted the vaccine’s role in preventing cervical cancer and noted that it was being provided free of cost by the government. He called upon health workers to work hand in hand to ensure the success of the campaign.
Delivering the keynote address, District Programme Officer (RCH/UIP), Dr. Thungchanpeni Patton, explained that the HPV vaccine was first globally introduced in 2006 with the vision of eliminating cervical cancer. She informed that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, is administering Gardasil-4 free of cost to girls aged 14 years at government health centres during routine immunization. She also appealed to Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) to mobilize beneficiaries for the vaccination drive.
Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Wokha, Dr. Mhonchan N. Kithan, announced that the vaccine would be administered daily from 9 am to 3 pm at the hospital and sought the support of ASHAs to amplify the campaign’s reach.