First cervical cancer vaccine dose: Over 3 Lakh adolescent girls in Odisha to be covered

In a significant public health initiative aimed at protection from cervical cancer, the Odisha government has launched a state-wide vaccination drive from February 28. Announcing the programme, Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling on Monday said the campaign will run for three months, targeting 3.36 lakh adolescent girls across the state. 

The vaccination effort is being carried out in coordination with the School and Mass Education Department and the Women and Child Development Department to ensure maximum coverage, including girls who have dropped out of school.

Three-Month Statewide Vaccination Programme

Under the programme, a single dose of the cervical cancer vaccine will be administered to eligible adolescent girls. The government has maintained detailed data to ensure that even school dropout girls are identified and vaccinated. Officials said the coordinated approach will help streamline implementation and reach beneficiaries effectively.

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Special Measures Amid Heatwave

“The cervical cancer vaccination drive was launched on February 28 in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi and me. From March 1, the programme has been rolled out in phases across selected areas. The vaccination process is continuing today and will carry on tomorrow as well. Overall, the drive will continue for three months. As per our estimates, around 3,36,000 adolescent girls in the 14 to 15-year age group will receive the first dose of the vaccine. These beneficiaries have been identified jointly by the School and Mass Education Department, the Women and Child Development Department, and the Health Department," he said. 

"All three departments are collectively taking responsibility to ensure smooth implementation, and preparations are progressing rapidly. We are confident of achieving our target within the stipulated three months. We have put in place a Standard Operating Procedure and comprehensive guidelines. In view of the heatwave, arrangements have been made from Primary Health Centres and Community Health Centres to medical colleges, where separate rooms have been set up for heatwave treatment. Awareness programmes have also been initiated to ensure people are not adversely affected, and special attention has been given to providing timely treatment,” said Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling.

Meanwhile, keeping the ongoing heatwave in mind, the government has also made special healthcare arrangements. ORS has been stocked at community health centres and hospitals, and dedicated treatment facilities have been prepared to manage heat-related illnesses.

With focused planning and inter-departmental coordination, the state aims to strengthen preventive healthcare and ensure the well-being of adolescent girls.