1240/2026-2027

Lunglei, 1 July 2026: Lunglei District has successfully surpassed its target under the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign, achieving 107% coverage by vaccinating 1,326 adolescent girls against a target of 1,243.

The nationwide free HPV vaccination campaign was conducted from February 28 to May 31, 2026, with the objective of protecting adolescent girls against cervical cancer caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The campaign targeted girls aged 14 years and those who would turn 15 within 90 days of its launch.

The vaccination drive was carried out over a period of three months through government health facilities. In Lunglei District, the vaccine was administered at one Sub-District Hospital (Tlabung), two Urban Primary Health Centres (Sazaikawn and Hrangchalkawn), and five Primary Health Centres (Buarpui, Bunghmun, Haulawng, Lungsen and Ṭawipui South). During the campaign, 1,326 eligible girls received the HPV vaccine.

The vaccine currently in use is GARDASIL, which provides protection against four HPV strains—6, 11, 16 and 18. It is administered as a single-dose vaccine.

In addition to the free HPV vaccination programme, the Health Department is also providing free cervical cancer screening services at Health & Wellness Centres and higher health facilities to promote early detection and timely treatment.

Cervical cancer remains one of the leading cancers affecting women in India. An estimated 120,000 women are newly diagnosed with the disease each year, while approximately 80,000 women die from it annually. To reduce this burden, the Government of India has launched the HPV Vaccination Programme, under which approximately 11.5 million 14-year-old girls are expected to receive the HPV vaccine every year. The nationwide campaign was launched this year as part of this initiative.

Officials of the Health Department in Lunglei District credited the district's achievement to the strong support extended by the Deputy Commissioner, various government departments, organisations and community stakeholders. They noted that several Village Councils (VCs) arranged transportation for eligible girls from their villages to Primary Health Centres to ensure they could receive the vaccine.

The officials further attributed the district's success in surpassing its vaccination target to the coordinated efforts of the Senior Chief Medical Officer (SCMO) and health officials, the District Education Officer and education officials, various government departments, community-based organisations, and local community leaders. They expressed their sincere gratitude to all stakeholders and frontline workers whose collective efforts ensured the successful implementation of the campaign.