Around 50 students participated in the awareness programme at Gyan Jyoti Public School. The programme was conducted by Dr. Abhilash Sahoo, Paediatrics, Dr. Siddharth Kumar Meher, Paediatrics and Dr. Twinkle Rani, O&G. The doctors interacted with the students and sensitised them about various aspects of adolescent health, with special emphasis on the importance of HPV vaccination in preventing HPV-related diseases, including cervical cancer.

A similar programme was organised at Ispat DAV Public School, Sector-16, with around 67 students participated. The sessions were conducted by Dr. Bikash Chandra Patra, Paediatrics, Dr. Soomi Bhakat, Paediatrics and Dr. Sanjoo Yadav, O&G. The students were encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyle practices and were provided age-appropriate information on physical and reproductive health, personal hygiene, nutrition and preventive healthcare.

A key focus of both programmes was creating awareness about Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, which plays an important role in protecting against HPV infections and reducing the risk of cervical cancer. The doctors addressed students’ queries in an interactive manner and highlighted the importance of timely vaccination and informed health choices during adolescence.

Notably, the HPV vaccine is also available free of cost at Ispat General Hospital (IGH) every Saturday from 5PM to 7PM, enabling eligible beneficiaries to access preventive vaccination services.