BENGALURU: Fighting cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among women in the world, as many as 500 adolescent girls from economically weaker sections of society were provided with free vaccination on Wednesday in Bengaluru.
The first phase of the vaccination drive, organised by tech firm Tekion and city-based Jivika Foundation as part of their corporate social responsibility, was launched by national award winning actress Sruthi Hariharan and noted obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Padmini Prasad.
Referring to the ICMR – National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research findings, organisers said that India accounts for a disproportionately high number of cervical cancer cases and fatalities, with approximately 123,000 new diagnoses and 67,500 deaths annually.
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is most effective when administered before exposure to the virus, making vaccination of girls aged 9-14 years crucial for cervical cancer prevention. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also recommended the age group of 9-14 years as the primary target for HPV vaccination. As part of the vaccination drive, girls from the targeted age group will be vaccinated in multiple phases both in Bengaluru and Chennai.
“Preventing cervical cancer requires a collaborative effort, and we are honoured to partner with Jivika Foundation on this impactful initiative to safeguard the health of young women in Bengaluru, India,” said Rana Robillard, Chief People Officer of Tekion.
Jignesh Patel, Founder & CEO of Jivika Foundation, said, “Every 8 minutes, a woman in India loses her life to cervical cancer – a disease that is preventable with a simple vaccine. India accounts for nearly one-fourth of the world’s cervical cancer deaths. Yet, millions of marginalised girls remain unprotected.”