Bahraich, July 16
By: Shamikh Rais Siddiqui
In a moment of immense pride for Bahraich, the district has earned prestigious state-level recognition for its exceptional success in the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign. This initiative is empowering adolescent girls with protection against cervical cancer — a major step forward in women’s health.
Chief Development Officer Sunil Dhanvanta (IAS) was warmly felicitated with a Certificate of Appreciation by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel. The honor celebrates the district’s outstanding implementation, seamless coordination across departments, and impressive results achieved in safeguarding young girls.
The award was presented during a special ceremony at the Shruti Auditorium of Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) in Lucknow. Neha Sharma (IAS), Managing Director of the Medical Education Department, also graced the occasion.
A visibly delighted CDO Sunil Dhanvanta expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying the recognition truly belongs to the united efforts of the Health Department, Education Department, Women and Child Development Department, Panchayati Raj Department, and the entire district administration.
“Together, we conducted extensive awareness drives in schools, Anganwadi centers, and communities to help parents understand the safety and life-saving benefits of the HPV vaccine,” he shared. Special outreach programs ensured that eligible girls received their vaccinations conveniently and confidently.
Dhanvanta highlighted the significance of this achievement, noting that cervical cancer remains one of the leading cancers among women, with HPV responsible for nearly 99% of cases. He appealed to parents to get their eligible daughters vaccinated on time, calling it a safe, effective, and powerful preventive step.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sanjay Kumar said common myths, clarifying that HPV does not spread through casual contact like handshakes, sitting together, or sharing food. The virus transmits primarily through intimate skin-to-skin or mucosal contact. This makes vaccination before any potential exposure especially vital and protective.