Free HPV Vaccination Camp for Sex Abuse Survivors, Underprivileged Girls in Delhi

In a first of-its-kind initiative in the country, a free HPV vaccination camp was organised in Okhla Phase-II, New Delhi, for minor victims of sexual abuse and girls from economically weaker families.

135 girls aged 9-14 years were vaccinated in the camp organised by India Child Protection Fund (ICPF), an organisation working for the safety of children, along with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute-Rotary Cancer Hospital (All India Institute of Medical Sciences), and Rotary Club, Delhi.

Multiple studies have shown that girls, who are victims of sexual abuse, are prone to the risk of cervical cancer. But a majority of families belonging to low income groups are unable to afford the expensive HPV vaccine, taken as a preventive measure.

One-fourth of female cancer patients worldwide are suffering from cervical cancer; it is the second most prevalent cancer among female cancer patients in 15-44 years age group.

HPV infection during sexual intercourse is the reason for cervical cancer in roughly 90 per cent of cases. Hence, the risk of cervical cancer is very high among girls who are victims of sexual abuse.

Against this backdrop, ICPF took the initiative wherein a team of doctors, comprising Dr. Sujata Pathak and Dr. Prateek, administered the vaccines under the supervision of Dr. Pallavi Shukla, Assistant Professor, Preventive Oncology, Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Institute-Rotary Cancer Hospital.

Girls were invited to the camp along with their parents and guardians to get vaccinated. They were made aware about the causes of cervical cancer and ways to prevent it.

HPV requires two vaccinations, with a gap of six months between two doses. ICPF, Rotary Club and Dr. B.R.A Institute-Rotary Cancer Hospital took a written commitment from parents of the girls to get them the next dose of vaccination after six months. Additionally, they were assured that if there was another child in their family between in 9-14 age group, she would also be given free HPV vaccination. The organisation also arranged travel for these girls and their families to the camp and back home.

ICPF Executive Director Dr. K. C. George, while thanking AIIMS and Rotary Club for their support in providing HPV vaccination of girls suffering from sexual abuse for the first time in the country, said that it was a commendable effort towards saving the lives of girls who were at risk of cervical cancer. “All the NGOs engaged in the protection of children should take such steps for girls who are victims of sexual exploitation and at the risk of cancer,” said Dr George.