Following the nationwide launching of HPV Vaccine by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 28th Feb' 2026, EAC, Mokokchung, Kewimesin Nriame launched the HPV Vaccine at Immunization Centre, Dr. Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital Mokokchung on 2nd of March 2026 in the presence of Dr. Takosunep, Deputy CMO and Dr. Imlisenba Lemtur, Pediatrician, IMDH Mokokchung.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Limanaro, DPO (UIP&RCH), Mokokchung stated that the rolling out of HPV Vaccine is a major milestone for Public Health in India and stated that "it is a privilege to start HPV Vaccination in the District". She made known to the participants that the vaccine will be made available in all the 16 CCP (Cold Chain Point) in campaign mode for the first 3 months and thereafter it will be officially integrated into the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) by the Government of India. The HPV vaccine will be available free of cost at Government facilities like Primary Health Centres (PHCs), CHCs and District Hospitals in the District.
She highlighted that as per studies, the vaccine is one of the most successful cancer-prevention tool ever developed. HPV vaccine will be administered to adolescent girls at the age group of 14 years as its primary focus; targeting HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for nearly 80% of cervical cancer cases in India.
Talking on the HPV vaccination campaign, she added that the initiative aims to tackle cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer among Indian women, claiming over 42,000 lives annually. She informed that as per NPCR-ICMR data estimates to about 79,103 new cases & 34,805 deaths due to cervix cancer in the year 2022. The Government is initially using Gardasil (a quadrivalent vaccine by MSD), a single dose vaccine provided in partnership with Gavi.
While launching the HPV vaccination campaign, EAC Mokokchung, Kewimesin Nriame said that the launching of HPV vaccine in the District is a privilege for young adolescent girls and stated that the vaccination campaign will aid in prevention of cervical cancer among women. She further encouraged the participants specially the young girls to encourage their peers to come forward for vaccination and avail the opportunity provided by the Government.
The launching programme was chaired by Sentirenla Longchar, Consultant UPHC Yimyu, and was attended by ASHAs, Staff from UIP&RCH, Nurses and staff from Immunization Centre, IMDH Mokokchung and staff from GSI & UNDP Mokokchung.
(Zuchumo Kithan, IA Mokokchung)
