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Visakhapatnam, July 19:
A major public health initiative was announced in Visakhapatnam as city authorities prepare for a free HPV vaccination drive aimed at protecting girls aged 9 to 14 years from cervical cancer. The campaign, scheduled for August, is a collaborative effort by the Lions Club of Vizag Charitable Trust and Chaitanya Sravanthi, with crucial support from the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA).
MLA Urges Parental Support
At an awareness program held at Government Queen Mary’s High School, Visakhapatnam South MLA Vamsi Krishna Srinivas called on parents to ensure their daughters receive the HPV vaccine—a proven safeguard against cervical cancer. “Vaccination is the only effective prevention against this devastating disease,” the MLA emphasized.
Details of the Vaccination Initiative
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First dose: August 2025
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Second dose: February 2026
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Eligibility: Girls aged 9–14 years
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Organisers: Lions Club of Vizag Charitable Trust and Chaitanya Sravanthi
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Sponsor: Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA)
Shirin Rahman, president of Chaitanya Sravanthi, confirmed VPA’s sponsorship of the drive. Dr. I Vani, Superintendent of King George Hospital (KGH), highlighted the importance of vaccinating the target age group and noted that KGH also conducts pap smear tests for early detection of cervical cancer.
Community Outreach and Education
To raise awareness and ensure high participation, the Lions Cancer and General Hospital is hosting camps across both urban and rural areas, including underserved slums. These camps aim to educate families about cervical cancer and prevention strategies.
The awareness event also saw participation from:
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Dr. Sarojini (Retired DM&HO)
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Sadiq (GVMC Corporator)
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C.S.R. Varma (Queen Mary’s School Head Master)
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Lions Club officials Ravichandra and Harinadh Chowdary
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice regarding HPV vaccination or cervical cancer prevention.
