Patna: A major public health initiative was launched in Bihar today as the state government began administering the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to girls aged 9 to 14. The free vaccination campaign kicked off at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) in Patna under the supervision of the Community Medicine Department.
The drive aims to curb the growing threat of cervical cancer—a disease strongly linked to HPV infection—by providing preventive vaccination at no cost. The vaccines have been made available by the Bihar Health Department and are part of a wider effort to boost adolescent health.
Certificates were also handed out to recipients after vaccination, and the program will continue in phases over the coming days to cover the target demographic across the state.
“This is a major step in preventing cervical cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India,” said Dr. Sanjay Kumar of the Community Medicine Department. The IGIMS team ensured smooth execution of the program with support from state and international partners.
Present at the launch were IGIMS Director Dr. Vinde Kumar, Medical Superintendent Dr. Manish Mandal, and other senior faculty including Dr. Tulika Singh and Dr. Nidhi Prasad. Representatives from partner organisations including Dr. Arindam Ray (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), Dr. Ram Ratan (Health Department), Dr. Anshuman (UNICEF), and Dr. Hasan from various institutions also attended the event.
