Gulmohar Maitri's Ambitious Step Towards a Cancer-Free Future with Historic HPV Vaccination Drive

Patna, July 6, 2024 - In a historic and unprecedented effort, Gulmohar Maitri, an NGO committed to women's health, organized a significant HPV vaccination drive in Patna on Saturday. The event successfully vaccinated 1,111 girls aged between 9 and 14 years, setting a new milestone in the fight against cervical cancer.

Held at Gyan Bhavan, this large-scale vaccination drive is a crucial component of Gulmohar Maitri's visionary project, 'Navya,' which aims to vaccinate 111,111 girls against HPV by December 2025. With cervical cancer being one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India, this initiative is a vital preventive measure. Saturday's event highlights the NGO's dedication and sets a precedent for future public health campaigns in the country.

Bihar’s Health Minister, Mangal Pandey, inaugurated the event and commended its scale and impact. “The incidence of cervical cancer is alarmingly high in Bihar. It is crucial that we educate not only women but also men about this silent threat. Awareness and proactive measures are the keys to combating this disease,” Pandey emphasized. He urged for this campaign to expand, likening its importance to the COVID-19 vaccination drive.

Manju Sinha, the secretary of Gulmohar Maitri, elaborated on the 'Navya' project, which began in 2020. This ambitious initiative aims to reach communities, slums, neighborhoods, villages, and towns to educate families about cervical cancer and the importance of HPV vaccination. “Our mission is to vaccinate 111,111 girls by December 2025. Each vaccination is not just a statistic; it represents a life potentially saved from the ravages of cervical cancer,” Sinha remarked. She highlighted the challenges in dispelling myths and misinformation and the effort required to convince families of the vaccine’s importance.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from various sectors, including governmental and non-governmental schools, army schools, and organizations such as Rainbow Home, Sitaram Ashram, Shanti Kutir, and numerous slum areas. This broad engagement ensures that the vaccine's benefits reach the most vulnerable segments of society, making the initiative truly inclusive.

The success of the event is attributed to the robust support from multiple institutions. The State Bank of India played a crucial roles in backing Gulmohar Maitri's mission. The event was attended by dignitaries such as Chief Information Commissioner Tripurari Sharan, retired Lieutenant General Ashok Choudhary, RSS regional worker Dr. Mohan Singh, and several prominent healthcare professionals, including Padma Shri awardees Dr. J.K. Singh and Vimal Jain.

Gulmohar Maitri’s historic drive in Patna sets a powerful precedent for public health initiatives across India. By proactively addressing cervical cancer through extensive vaccination campaigns, the NGO is safeguarding the future of countless young girls and their families. The overwhelming success and response to Saturday's event underscore the critical role of NGOs, government support, and community involvement in tackling public health crises.