~The Initiative CERVIVOUR aims to vaccinate 500,000 females by 2030~
May 22, 2025, New Delhi: The commitment of raising awareness and eradicating cervical cancer, Aahwahan Foundation has started an initiative, “Protecting Women, Preventing Cervical Cancer”, aimed at empowering women against the battle of cervical cancer. According to a research conducted by India Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Related Cancers in 2021, every year 1,23,907 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 77,348 die from the disease. The situation of women and children in rural areas and the underprivileged section of society, remains most affected due to lack of proper treatment, facilities, financial aid, etc. Through this initiative, the foundation provides free HPV vaccinations to thousands of women and children in rural and financially disadvantaged communities who face barriers to accessing healthcare facilities. It is not just a vaccination drive; it is a symbol of empowerment, a statement that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves access to life-saving healthcare.
Aahwahan Foundation has come forward to address the need to provide HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination to the underprivileged. The vaccination, priced at Rs.12, 000 approx. is being provided free of charge by the organization to young girls in schools and colleges. Over 17,650 individuals have received the vaccine so far. The Initiative CERVIVOUR aims to vaccinate 500,000 females by 2030, with significant progress already made in Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala. Through collaboration with the government and medical experts, the program conducts baseline studies, identifies target schools and colleges, raises awareness through group counselling sessions, and implements tailored projects, followed by continuous monitoring and follow-up to ensure sustained impact.
The foundation strives to empower women with the knowledge and resources needed to prevent cervical cancer, improve early detection rates, which ultimately save lives. The initiative fosters a supportive environment for women to discuss concern related to reproductive health concerns and encourages proactive health management within communities. The team also educates women about essential information of cervical cancer, its causes and risks through regular screenings, such as Pap tests and HPV vaccinations.
Ragini, a beneficiary of the initiative, said, “I never knew about cervical cancer or the vaccine until the camp came to our village. When the doctors explained how this simple injection could protect my daughters from a dangerous disease, I felt a sense of relief and hope. We could never afford such a vaccine, but this initiative gave it to us for free. My daughters now have a future where they can be healthy and strong, and as a mother, that means everything to me.”
“Our target to vaccinate 90% of eligible girls and women in the state by 2030, focusing on underserved and high-risk communities. “We are actively engaging with the ground level, covering rural and urban locations in Karnataka, and strategizing outreach programs to ensure a smooth rollout in the coming months. We are carrying out extensive awareness campaigns in different parts of these states, and we are looking forward to meeting a target of 10,000 girls & women in the initial phase of this project and 1,00,000 from each of the states soon.” said Mr. Braja Kishore Pradhan, CEO, Social Activist and Founder of the Aahwahan Foundation.
Through this project, Aahwahan Foundation is actively working towards creating a new India where cervical cancer is eliminated. They are committed to empowering women with knowledge and resources to prevent this disease, ensuring that no woman has to struggle with its devastating effects. By fostering awareness and promoting regular health screenings, they aim to build a supportive community where women can thrive, free from the fear of cervical cancer.