Mizoram ranks third in HPV vaccination, eyes top spot: Minister

Aizawl, Jul 1 (PTI) Mizoram Health Minister Lalrinpuii on Wednesday claimed that the state is ranked third in the country in the implementation of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme and efforts are underway to secure the top position. Launching the National Immunisation Day (NID) Pulse Polio programme in Aizawl, the minister said Mizoram's population of around 16 lakh provides an opportunity to deliver quality healthcare services. However, she said public expectations from the government are high, making it important to maintain the state's strong performance in healthcare indicators. Lalrinpuii said the state currently ranks third in the country in implementing the HPV vaccination programme launched by the Prime Minister on February 28. She urged health officials and frontline workers to intensify their efforts to help the state secure the top rank nationally. According to officials, Lunglei district in south Mizoram exceeded its target under the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign by achieving 107 per cent coverage. During the intensive 90-day drive from February 28 to May 31, the district vaccinated 1,326 adolescent girls against the target of 1,243. Lalrinpuii noted that India has been officially declared polio-free since 2014, and stressed that Mizoram must continue strengthening routine immunisation to safeguard its own polio-free status. She also welcomed the strong public response to the pulse polio campaign, noting that many parents had brought their children for vaccination after awareness campaigns were carried out in localities across the state. PTI CORR MNB