Gulmohar Maitri’s historic drive in Patna sets a powerful precedent for public health initiatives across India.
HPV Vaccination Drive
In a historic and unprecedented move, Gulmohar Maitri, a dedicated NGO championing women's health, organised a monumental HPV vaccination drive in Patna on Saturday. The event witnessed the successful vaccination of 1,111 girls, aged between 9 and 14 years, setting a new benchmark in the fight against cervical cancer.
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Held at the prestigious Gyan Bhavan, this large-scale vaccination drive is a critical part of Gulmohar Maitri's visionary project, 'Navya,' which aspires to vaccinate 111,111 girls against HPV by December 2025. Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in India, making this initiative a vital lifeline. Saturday's event is a testament to the NGO’s unwavering dedication and heralds a new era in public health campaigns in the country.
Inaugurated by Bihar’s Health and Agriculture Minister, Mangal Pandey, the event received high praise for 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 fighting this disease,” Pandey emphasised. He urged for this campaign to scale up, likening its importance to the COVID-19 vaccination drive.
Manju Sinha, the dynamic secretary of Gulmohar Maitri, elaborated on the 'Navya' project, which kicked off in 2020. This ambitious initiative aims to penetrate deep into communities, slums, neighbourhoods, villages, and towns, educating families about cervical cancer and the critical role 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 spoke passionately about the challenges faced, particularly in dispelling myths and misinformation, and the relentless 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 organisations like Rainbow Home, Sitaram Ashram, Shanti Kutir, and numerous slum areas. This wide-reaching engagement ensures that the vaccine's benefits reach the most vulnerable segments of society, making the initiative truly inclusive.
The event's success is attributed to the robust support from multiple institutions. The State Bank of India, Ruban Memorial Hospital, and Urmila International Services Pvt. Ltd. played 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, governmental support, and community involvement in tackling public health crises.
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