Organised in collaboration between the Rotary Club of Panaji and One World Goa, a massive and important step towards raising awareness about women's health was taken as one hundred underprivileged girls aged 13 to 19 were given free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. The initiative aimed not only to provide life-saving vaccines but also to educate young girls about cervical cancer and its prevention.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant also lauded the campaign, calling the HPV vaccine safe and effective. “This vaccine is approved by the Government of India and is soon to be included in the national immunisation programme,” Dr Sawant said. He also pointed out that the vaccine is 99.9% effective in preventing cervical cancer, a disease that not only impacts health but also leads to loss of time and financial resources.
The Chief Minister further appealed to the people of Goa to embrace the Prime Minister's 'Fit India Mission’. “Like the Swachh Bharat Mission, this campaign promotes fitness. Today, yoga is being adopted worldwide, even in countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan. Goa should lead by example,” he added.
Dr Raghuveer Salkar, President of the Rotary Club of Panaji, highlighted the campaign’s core purpose, saying, “Our aim is not just to protect these girls but to empower them with knowledge.” Educational sessions on the symptoms, causes, and prevention of cervical cancer were also conducted as part of the initiative.
The second dose of the vaccine will be given on 25 October at Hotel Manoshanti.