HPV Vaccination Drive to Protect Adolescent Girls from Cervical Cancer; DC Sachin Gupta Calls for Collective Support

Rohtak, April 23, 2026: The Chief Secretary of Haryana, Anurag Rastogi, reviewed the implementation of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme through video conferencing, aimed at preventing cervical cancer among women.

Following the review, Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta directed all concerned departments to ensure effective execution of the program in Rohtak and emphasized the critical importance of awareness and community participation.

The Deputy Commissioner informed that the HPV vaccination programme is being implemented for girls in the age group of 14 to 15 years.

* Eligible girls will receive a single dose of HPV vaccine free of cost
* The vaccine is targeted at girls who have completed 14 years of age and are below 15 years within the defined eligibility period
* The vaccination will be carried out under the national immunization framework

He described the vaccine as a preventive shield against cervical cancer, highlighting its long-term health benefits.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that cervical cancer is largely caused by HPV infection, which affects the DNA of cervical cells and may lead to cancer over time.

He said that; Early stages of cervical cancer often show no clear symptoms, timely vaccination is one of the most effective preventive measures, and the HPV vaccine significantly reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the Education Department to play a proactive role in ensuring maximum coverage:

* Awareness campaigns in government and private schools
* Meetings with school managements to facilitate smooth implementation
* Engagement with parents to build trust and acceptance

Calling for collective responsibility, the Deputy Commissioner appealed to parents, teachers, and community leaders to actively support the initiative and ensure that all eligible girls receive the vaccine on time.

“HPV vaccination is an investment in the health and future of our daughters. Timely immunization can prevent life-threatening diseases and ensure a healthier generation.”, he added.

The district administration has put in place necessary coordination mechanisms to ensure smooth implementation, monitoring, and outreach of the vaccination programme. The HPV vaccination drive marks a significant step towards preventive healthcare, women’s health protection, and long-term public health strengthening in the district.