Mumbai, March 21, 2025: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a leading Indian shipbuilding company, has taken a significant step in public health by partnering with Satara Zilla Parishad and Jivika Foundation to vaccinate 2,800 schoolgirls against cervical cancer. This initiative marks India’s first district-level Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of its kind, demonstrating a strong commitment to preventive healthcare.
The vaccination drive, part of Jivika Foundation’s Cervical Cancer Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, covered schools across four districts: Gadchiroli, Satara, Raigad, and Mumbai. Over 50 medical professionals and operational staff were mobilized to ensure the smooth and efficient administration of the HPV vaccine.
Prior to the vaccination, an extensive awareness campaign reached over 50 schools, engaging more than 1,000 teachers, 5,000 students, and 5,000 parents. The campaign aimed to educate the community about cervical health, early screening, and prevention. Jivika Foundation adhered to strict healthcare protocols, ensuring written consent from parents before vaccinating their daughters.
“At MDL, we are committed not just to strengthening India’s maritime capabilities but also to making a positive impact on society,” said Mr. Amit Nabira, CSR Head of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. “Through this initiative, we aim to protect young girls from cervical cancer and raise awareness about preventive healthcare. We are honoured to collaborate with Satara Zilla Parishad and Jivika Foundation in this important mission.”
Smt. Yashni Nagrajan, Chief Executive Officer of Satara Zilla Parishad, stated, “Mission Tejaswini is a crucial step in protecting women’s health and reducing the cancer burden. We appreciate MDL’s support in the immunisation program to achieve our endeavour for a cancer-free Satara.”
Mr. Jignesh Patel, Founder & Director of Jivika Foundation, commented, “Preventive healthcare is the need of the hour, and cervical cancer is one of the most preventable diseases with timely vaccination. Through this initiative, we are not only providing protection but also spreading awareness among students, teachers, and parents. Our team ensured a seamless and safe vaccination process, reaching even the most remote schools to maximize impact.”
Jivika Foundation implemented robust logistics, including cold chain management and last-mile delivery, to ensure vaccine efficacy. Safety was paramount, with AEFI (Adverse Events Following Immunization) preparedness and qualified medical personnel present at all vaccination sites. The foundation has now successfully vaccinated over 30,000 girls from lower economic strata across Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka.
Mission Tejaswini, Satara Zilla Parishad’s flagship initiative, aims to prevent cancer, promote early screening, and provide free treatment at government hospitals. Jivika Foundation’s involvement in administering HPV vaccinations reinforces this mission’s commitment to public health.
This collaboration between MDL, Satara Zilla Parishad, and Jivika Foundation marks a crucial step in safeguarding young girls against cervical cancer and underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing health initiatives.
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