Bansi lal Riport:-
New Delhi, India – 27 November 2025 – A two‑day national workshop on “Adolescent Health Challenges – The Importance of HPV Vaccination” concluded today at the Forest Guest House auditorium in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. Organised by UNICEF India and the Prevention of Cervical Cancer Association of Rajasthan (PCC‑RA), the event brought together more than 30 health experts, policymakers, journalists and civil‑society representatives to highlight the urgent need for a nationwide free HPV immunisation programme for girls aged 14‑15.
Key Highlights from the Workshop
- High Burden of Cervical Cancer: Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer‑related deaths among Indian women. Approximately 200 women lose their lives to the disease every day – roughly one death every eight minutes. India accounts for about one‑third of all cervical‑cancer deaths worldwide.
- Recent Statistics: According to the National Family Health Survey‑5 (NFHS‑5), 79,000 women were diagnosed with HPV‑related cancers in 2022, and 34,800 succumbed to the disease. Experts stressed that timely HPV vaccination could cut this mortality by up to 90 %.
- Expert Endorsements:
_“Our goal is to reach every adolescent girl, whether she is in school or at home. Through community outreach and mobile vaccination teams we will ensure no one is left behind.” Dr. Manisha Chavla, Health Officer, UNICEF Rajasthan.
_“HPV vaccination is a proven tool to prevent the majority of cervical‑cancer cases. By vaccinating before exposure to the virus, we can dramatically reduce both the disease burden and related mortality.” Dr. Anil Agarwal, Public Health Expert (quoted in the workshop).
- Call for a Nationwide Free Vaccination Campaign: Participants urged the Central Government to extend the free HPV vaccination programme to all girls aged 14‑15 across the country, following the successful models already implemented in Tamil Nadu, Sikkim and Bihar.
- Addressing Misinformation:Kumar Manish*, Artificial‑Intelligence expert, discussed the role of AI in combating false information and highlighted the importance of accurate reporting.
- Media Responsibility: Shyam Sundar Sharma, Editor, Rajasthan Pashchimi News, called for immediate rollout of the vaccine and urged journalists to provide factual, responsible coverage. Surendra Kumar Dhaleta and Subhash Krishna of the Press Council emphasized the need for vigilant, evidence‑based reporting.
- Vaccine Safety and Eligibility:
- Most effective when administered to girls aged 9‑14; the 15‑26 age group can also be vaccinated, though efficacy is higher in early adolescence.
- Common side‑effects are mild – pain, swelling or redness at the injection site; severe reactions such as allergic responses or blood clots are extremely rare.
About the Organisers
- UNICEF India works to protect the rights of children and women, supporting health‑system strengthening and immunisation programmes nationwide.
- Prevention of Cervical Cancer Association of Rajasthan (PCC‑RA) is a civil‑society platform that advocates for cervical‑cancer prevention, awareness and vaccine access.