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Aahwahan Foundation has started an initiative, “Protecting Women, Preventing Cervical Cancer", aimed at empowering women against the battle of cervical cancer. According to a research conducted by India Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Related Cancers in 2021, every year 1,23,907 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 77,348 die from the disease. The situation of women and children in rural areas and the underprivileged section of society, remains most affected due to lack of proper treatment, facilities, financial aid, etc.
Through this initiative, the foundation provides free HPV vaccinations to thousands of women and children in rural and financially disadvantaged communities who face barriers to accessing healthcare facilities. It is not just a vaccination drive; it is a symbol of empowerment, a statement that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves access to life-saving healthcare.
Aahwahan Foundation has come forward to address the need to provide HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination to the underprivileged. The vaccination, priced at Rs 12,000 approx. is being provided free of charge by the organisation to young girls in schools and colleges. Over 17,650 individuals have received the vaccine so far.
The Initiative CERVIVOUR aims to vaccinate 500,000 females by 2030, with significant progress already made in Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala. Through collaboration with the government and medical experts, the programme conducts baseline studies, identifies target schools and colleges, raises awareness through group counselling sessions, and implements tailored projects, followed by continuous monitoring and follow-up to ensure sustained impact.
“Our target to vaccinate 90% of eligible girls and women in the state by 2030, focusing on underserved and high-risk communities. We are actively engaging with the ground level, covering rural and urban locations in Karnataka, and strategising outreach programmes to ensure a smooth rollout in the coming months. We are carrying out extensive awareness campaigns in different parts of these states, and we are looking forward to meeting a target of 10,000 girls & women in the initial phase of this project and 1,00,000 from each of the states soon”, said Braja Kishore Pradhan, CEO, Social Activist and Founder of the Aahwahan Foundation.
