Guwahati: Kamrup (Metro), which encompasses Guwahati city, has become the first district in Assam to surpass its assigned target under the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, recording 100.9% coverage.The achievement comes as the state intensifies efforts to achieve full coverage by mid-July through an accelerated vaccination drive.Assam’s HPV Vaccination Campaign, aimed at protecting adolescent girls from cervical cancer, has vaccinated 2,25,936 girls in the 14–15 age group as of June 21 (Sunday). This accounts for nearly 70% of the state’s target of 3.27 lakh beneficiaries. State health department data show a sharp increase in the pace of vaccination since May, with daily coverage rising from around 500 beneficiaries to more than 3,500.“The Gardasil-4 vaccine has been supplied to all districts, with stock and cold-chain temperatures continuously tracked through the eVIN (Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network) to safeguard vaccine efficacy,” a spokesperson of Assam NHM said, on Monday.Health officials attributed the progress to coordinated efforts by district administrations, health workers and the school education department, which have helped overcome initial challenges revolving around vaccine hesitancy.“Authorities are now focusing on districts with lower coverage levels, including West Karbi Anglong, Sonitpur, Kokrajhar, South Salmara Mankachar, Jorhat and Charaideo,” the official said. These districts have vast rural, remote and hilly regions, while regular review meetings at both state and district levels are being held to identify and address local challenges.The campaign is being spearheaded by the Directorate of Health Services (Family Welfare), with support from NHM Assam and the School Education Department.According to health experts, cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in the country, and persistent HPV infection is responsible for almost all cases. “Vaccinating adolescent girls before exposure to the virus is regarded as one of the most effective strategies for preventing the disease, making the campaign a critical public health intervention for the state,” a spokesperson of Assam NHM said.Highlighting the recent momentum, the official added, “The pace has accelerated further during the ongoing accelerated HPV Vaccination drive, conducted under the guidance of Health Minister Ashok Singhal to secure last-mile coverage in remote and hard-to-reach areas with the state now averaging more than 12,000 vaccinations a day, a clear marker of strong field execution and community participation.”Following the national launch of the HPV vaccination programme by PM Narendra Modi on Feb 28, Assam also launched the campaign the same day at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. Vaccination activities commenced at all 34 district hospitals on March 17 and have since expanded to more than 400 health facilities across the state.
