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Nagaland launches initiative to boost HPV vaccination awareness
Kohima, Sep 17 (PTI) The Nagaland government on Thursday launched ‘Teeka Talk’, an initiative to strengthen awareness and informed engagement around HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention among adolescent girls, parents and communities.
The HPV vaccine prevents human papillomavirus infections that can lead to cervical and other cancers.
The initiative was launched by the state Health and Family Welfare Department in collaboration with non-profit organisation Girl Effect India, an official statement said.
More than 60 stakeholders from the Health, Education and Women and Child Development departments attended a state-level meeting as part of the programme.
Principal Director Dr Keveduyi Theyo said Nagaland was committed to ensuring that adolescent girls and their families had access to accurate and trusted information on HPV vaccination to enable informed health decisions.
She stressed the need for coordinated efforts involving the Health, Education and WCD departments, schools, communities and frontline workers.
State Immunisation Officer Dr Imkongtemsu Longchar said cervical cancer remained an important public health concern, while HPV vaccination offered an opportunity to prevent the infections that cause most cervical cancers.
He urged parents and caregivers to support eligible girls in receiving the HPV vaccine at the recommended age.
The Nagaland government is providing free HPV vaccination to girls aged 14 years at government health facilities.
Girl Effect India Director Kavita Ayyagari said Teeka Talk would make information on HPV vaccination easier for parents and adolescent girls to access and understand through schools, communities and digital platforms.
The initiative also includes a WhatsApp-based chatbot providing information and answers to common questions on HPV vaccination and cervical cancer.
The next phase will focus on coordinated implementation across departments and districts, with emphasis on school, parent and community engagement. PTI NBS NN
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