New Delhi: Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC) organized a vaccination camp on World Cancer Day 2025 in collaboration with the Children Unbound Foundation and Salcomp. As part of the event, 150 girls aged 15–20 years received free doses of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which helps protect against high-risk HPV types linked to cervical cancer.
The initiative aimed to promote HPV vaccination as a primary preventive measure against cervical cancer.
Regarding the initiative, Indu Aggarwal, Head of Department, Preventive Oncology, RGCIRC, said, “While many cancers, including cervical cancer, are preventable, the challenge lies in raising awareness and improving access to care. Through the ongoing vaccination drive, we aim to reach the young population, offering hope and prevention to curb the rising cancer burden in India.”
Dr. Shashi Rakheja, Senior Consultant, Preventive Oncology, RGCIRC emphasized, ” Vaccinating at a young age is crucial as it provides immunity before exposure to high-risk HPV strains, significantly lowering the risk of cervical cancer. The WHO aims to have 90 per cent of girls vaccinated by their 15th birthday by 2030.”
The vaccination drive was conducted in association with Salcomp & Children Unbound Foundation. Through such efforts, the institute continues to contribute toward the larger goal of eradicating cervical cancer in alignment with WHO’s 2030 strategy.
