Jammu: A free vaccination drive aimed at preventing cervical cancer among girls in Jammu and Kashmir was launched here on Wednesday, an official said.
Health Minister Sakeena Itoo inaugurated the first-of-its-kind initiative, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding women’s health and building a healthier future across the region. She stressed the importance of raising awareness about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and called for a sustained campaign to educate the public on its safety and effectiveness throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
The minister urged the departments of social welfare and school education to work closely with the Department of Health and Medical Education to advance the initiative.
Principal of Government Medical College, Jammu, Ashutosh Gupta, noted that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the region, with persistent HPV infection being the primary risk factor. “This cancer is largely preventable through timely immunisation with the HPV vaccine,” he added.
Bhavna Langer, Associate Professor in the Department of Community Medicine, highlighted that the HPV vaccine will be offered free of charge to girls aged 9–15 years at the State Cancer Institute in Jammu, as well as through outreach programs in schools, Anganwadi centres, and urban slums, with the goal of making Jammu and Kashmir cervical cancer-free by 2030.
