Several Chief Ministers of North East states joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi who launched the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign virtually across all states and Union territories from Ajmer in Rajasthan on Saturday.
MANIPUR
Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh attended the nationwide launch of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign against Cervical Cancer on virtual mode from mode from the auditorium hall of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Imphal, on Saturday.
After the launch event, Singh wrote on his social media platforms, “This landmark initiative will protect our daughters and women from HPV-related cancers and strengthen national health coverage.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the campaign virtually across all states and Union territories from Ajmer in Rajasthan today.
“The nationwide rollout marks a transformative milestone in strengthening preventive healthcare under our National Health Mission,” the chief minister further wrote in the posts.
The HPV vaccination programme, he stated, was a critical public health intervention aimed at protecting the young population from HPV-related cancers, particularly cervical cancer, by targeting high-risk virus strains.
“This proactive initiative will significantly enhance health coverage, reduce long-term disease burden, and safeguard the well-being of our future generations,” he added.
On the occasion, the chief minister also flagged off 33 ambulances for deployment across various districts to further strengthen emergency medical response services and ensure timely healthcare access to every corner of the state.
The ambulances were funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC) and procured by the state directorate of health services, Manipur, to strengthen maternal and child healthcare delivery across the state, state DIPR said, in a release.
During the launch event, the chief minister visited the registration counter, vaccination room, and observation room at JNIMS.
He interacted with doctors, nurses, and beneficiaries before handing over the vaccination certificate to a girl who received the HPV vaccine. He also inspected the internal roads of the JNIMS campus and reviewed the condition of the infrastructure.
The event was also attended by cabinet minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, state chief secretary Dr Puneet Kumar Goel, administrative secretaries, director of health services, doctors, nurses, and medical staff, among others.
SIKKIM
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Saturday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for girls, and said the drive will safeguard their health and future.
“In a landmark step towards safeguarding health and the future of our young daughters, the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, today launched the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for girls aged 14 years,” he said in a social media post.
Tamang said he joined the occasion through video conference, and that the drive was also launched in Sikkim.
“This transformative initiative will annually benefit approximately 1.15 crore girls across all states and Union territories, marking a decisive stride in the prevention of cervical cancer and the promotion of women’s health,” the chief minister said.
The vaccine will be administered free of cost at designated government health facilities, ensuring equitable access and inclusive outreach, he said.
“I earnestly urge everyone to come forward and actively create awareness about the importance of HPV vaccination. Let us work together to educate families, encourage eligible girls to avail themselves of this free preventive healthcare service, and dispel any misconceptions surrounding the vaccine,” Tamang added.
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
Terming the rollout of the HPV vaccination programme a significant milestone under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday said the initiative marks an important step towards securing the health and future of young girls in the state.
Joining the nationwide launch of the programme by Modi from Ajmer, the state formally rolled out the vaccination drive at Tomo Riba Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) at Naharlagun, near here.
Accompanied by Health Minister Biyuram Wahge and senior officials of the Health and Family Welfare Department, Khandu launched the state-level campaign aimed at protecting adolescent girls aged 14–15 years against cervical cancer, an official communique informed.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the people of Arunachal, especially our women. Today’s launch marks an important step towards securing their health and future,” Khandu said. Highlighting the seriousness of cervical cancer, he said the disease burden remains alarming.
“In 2024 alone, nearly 78,500 new cases of cervical cancer were reported in India. Unfortunately, around 42,000 women lost their lives. These were not just statistics. They were mothers, sisters and daughters whose lives were cut short,” he said. Stressing that nearly 99.7 per cent of cervical cancer cases in India are caused by persistent infection with HPV, Khandu described vaccination as a powerful preventive tool.
“The good news is that this is one cancer which can be prevented through vaccination,” the chief minister said, adding that the HPV vaccine has been globally tested with remarkable success. “More than 50 crore doses have been administered worldwide without major disruptions. The success rate has been very encouraging. It is safe and effective,” he said.
Reassuring young beneficiaries present at the event, he added, “There is no need to be nervous. I, too, have a daughter, and she has already taken the HPV vaccine. It is absolutely safe.”
For Arunachal Pradesh, a target of approximately 19,500 girl children has been set for the current phase, which the state aims to complete within three months.
“We must achieve our target within three months so that the government of India can release the next allocation in a timely manner,” he said, urging district medical officers to coordinate closely with deputy commissioners and schools to ensure maximum coverage.
The vaccination drive will be implemented through the state’s health infrastructure comprising 136 Primary Health Centres, 58 Community Health Centres and 21 District Hospitals, including TRIHMS.
MIZORAM
In Mizoram, state Health and Family Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii on Friday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his significant initiatives in advancing women’s healthcare across the country. Addressing a programme, Lalrinpuii expressed concern that Mizoram has the highest incidence of cancer per lakh population among Indian states, terming the situation alarming.
She said that the Director of Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, the premier institution where many Mizo cancer patients seek treatment, observed that the unusually high number of cancer cases among Mizos is largely linked to excessive consumption of tobacco products, unhealthy lifestyle practices, and poor dietary habits.
Citing medical research findings, the Minister said high intake of smoked and processed meat, pork fat, and widespread tobacco use are among the leading factors contributing to the high prevalence of cancer in the state. She further stated that among women cancer patients in India, breast cancer is the most common, followed by cervical cancer.
Noting that 99.7 per cent of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV, she welcomed the government’s move to provide the HPV vaccine free of cost as a preventive measure.
The Minister urged adolescent girls, particularly those who have attained the age of 14, to receive the HPV vaccine.
Appreciating the dedication and hard work of healthcare workers serving from the Directorate level down to sub-centres, Lalrinpuii expressed gratitude for their continued commitment to strengthening public health services across the state.