The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine Campaign was formally launched at District Hospital Dimapur on March 2, 2026, by Chief Medical Officer, Dr. T. Yetovi Tuccu.
Speaking at the programme, Dr. Yetovi highlighted cervical cancer as a major public health concern both nationally and globally, noting that it is the only cancer preventable through vaccination. He informed that HPV vaccination began worldwide in 2006, and in India the vaccine was available in private facilities since 2008. Presently, 160 countries have introduced HPV vaccination in their national programmes, while India and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea remained exceptions until now.
Through this campaign, the Government of India will provide free HPV vaccines to all girls aged 14 years who have not yet turned 15. The campaign will follow a single-dose schedule and continue for three months.
In Dimapur district, the vaccine will be available at nine Cold Chain Points including District Hospital Dimapur, Burma Camp U-PHC, Duncan U-PHC, Chumukedima PHC, Dhansiripar CHC, Medziphema CHC, Niuland CHC, Singrijan PHC, and Kuhuboto PHC. Dr. Yetovi also cautioned against misinformation and urged the public to contact the CMO’s office for queries.
Dr. Rongsennungla, DPO (RCH/UIP), in her vote of thanks, termed the campaign a vital opportunity for adolescent girls and for building a healthier nation. The programme was chaired by Nokrenkoba, UWIN Coordinator, UNDP, with welcome address by Dr. George Thira, Medical Superintendent, DH Dimapur. Invocation was led by Rev. Yhunlo Thong, Chaplain, DH Chapel. Four girls received the HPV vaccine during the launch.
MOKOKCHUNG: Following the nationwide launch by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 28, Kewimesin Nriame, EAC, Mokokchung, inaugurated the HPV Vaccine Campaign at Dr. Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital, Mokokchung, in the presence of Dr. Takosunep, Dy. CMO, and Dr. Imlisenba Lemtur, Pediatrician.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Limanaro, DPO (UIP & RCH), described the rollout as a major milestone in public health. She informed that the vaccine would be available in all 16 Cold Chain Points in campaign mode for three months, after which it would be integrated into the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). The HPV vaccine, Gardasil (quadrivalent, provided in partnership with Gavi), will be administered free of cost at government facilities including PHCs, CHCs, and District Hospitals.
Dr. Limanaro emphasized that HPV vaccination is one of the most successful cancer-prevention tools, targeting HPV types 16 and 18, which account for nearly 80% of cervical cancer cases in India. She noted that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women, claiming over 42,000 lives annually, with NPCR-ICMR data estimating 79,103 new cases and 34,805 deaths in 2022.
Kewimesin Nriame, in her remarks, termed the launch a privilege for adolescent girls and encouraged them to motivate peers to come forward for vaccination. The programme was chaired by Sentirenla Longchar, Consultant UPHC Yimyu, and attended by ASHAs, nurses, staff from UIP & RCH, IMDH Mokokchung, and representatives from GSI and UNDP.
PEREN: Meanwhile, the HPV vaccination drive against cervical cancer for girls aged 14 years was launched on March 2 at District Hospital, Peren.
According to the CMO office, Peren, through its District Media Coordinator Shekho Sophie, DPO (RCH & UIP) Dr. Velentina Neikha delivered the keynote address and highlighted the importance of the newly introduced HPV vaccine. She informed that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has initiated the drive to administer the free HPV vaccine Gardasil 4 to beneficiaries at government health centres during routine immunisation.
Dr. Neikha provided an overview of cervical cancer, its causes, risk factors, and impact on women’s health, noting that it remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women. Stressing the need for preventive measures, she explained the documentation process for registration and uploading beneficiary details into the designated health application.
She further outlined vaccination sites across the district and assured that qualified doctors and nurses would oversee safe delivery of the vaccine. Recalling that the HPV vaccine was first globally launched in 2006, she reiterated the global vision to eliminate cervical cancer by vaccinating girls aged 14 years.
In her short speech, PTWWO president, Pelingrangle, assured that the organisation would give its best to reach out to all eligible beneficiaries and educate the community.
The programme was chaired by MO Dr. Avika P. Jimo, with invocation prayer led by head pharmacist Hosea Apon.