World Immunization Week, April 2026
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Event Details
World Immunization Week, April 2026
24-30th April, 2026
Venue: Department of Obstretrics & Gynaecology, JNMC, AMU
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, in collaboration with the Aligarh Obstetrics and Gynaecological Society (AOGS), organized an HPV vaccination training programme for ASHA workers along with a media interaction at the college auditorium. The initiative aimed to spread awareness among ASHA workers about the importance of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and strengthen community-level prevention of cervical cancer.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Tamkin Khan, President of AOGS, said that a large number of cervical cancer cases are being reported in India, but the disease can be significantly prevented through timely vaccination and awareness. She described the HPV vaccine as not just an injection, but a protective shield for the health of daughters and future generations.
Prof. Zehra Mohsin, Chairperson of the Department explained that HPV is a common virus transmitted through skin and sexual contact. While the body is able to fight most infections naturally, some high-risk types of the virus may persist and eventually lead to cervical cancer.
She said there are two major preventive measures against the disease- HPV vaccination and regular screening. She added that the vaccine is highly beneficial for children aged 9 to 14 years, including both boys and girls, and has no adverse effect on fertility. The vaccine can provide nearly 90 per cent protection.
During the media interaction, experts stressed that women should undergo regular screening as HPV infection often shows no symptoms. They also emphasized the need to remove myths and misconceptions prevalent in society. Speakers said there is no need to fear HPV, but rather to become aware, as vaccination and timely screening can effectively prevent cancer.
Among those present on the occasion were Dr. Sumbul Naim, Prof. Nasreen Noor, Dr. Namrata Bhardwaj, Dr. Rakhi Mehrotra, Dr. Alpana Varshney and Dr. Roshan Parveen, along with other medical professionals.
The speakers also noted that a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign has been launched by the government, with the objective of effectively preventing cervical cancer, one of the leading cancers affecting women in India.
