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In a groundbreaking move to safeguard women's health, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang unveiled plans on Friday to roll out free vaccinations against human papilloma virus (HPV), the primary culprit behind cervical cancer, for every girl below the age of 14. The program, set to kick off in April 2026, marks a significant step in the state's ongoing crusade against one of India's deadliest cancers for women.
Speaking at a public health forum, Tamang highlighted the urgency of proactive prevention. "With global advancements offering shields against such preventable illnesses, it's our duty to embrace these for the lives we can protect," he declared, urging widespread community involvement in this vital health drive. The vaccines will be available at no cost across all government hospitals, ensuring accessibility even in remote Himalayan hamlets.
Complementing the vaccination effort, the initiative includes complimentary screening kits for women between 30 and 65 years old, also launching next April. These tools will enable early detection, a game-changer in curbing the disease's progression. Cervical cancer claims thousands of lives annually in India, often striking in underserved regions, but experts note that HPV immunisation—ideally administered before sexual debut—can slash incidence by up to 90%, per World Health Organisation guidelines.
Sikkim, a trailblazer in public health since introducing school-based HPV shots for ages 9-14 back in 2018, is doubling down on its legacy. Health officials project the program will cover over 10,000 eligible girls in the first year, funded through state coffers and partnerships with national bodies.
