Meghalaya launches 'Teeka Talk' to boost HPV vaccination for girls

The Meghalaya Health Department has launched "Teeka Talk", an awareness drive to help parents and girls get clear information about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which protects against the infections behind most cases of cervical cancer.

The programme was launched in Shillong on Thursday, October 29, at a state-level meeting chaired by Dr C. Iangrai, Director of Health Services (MCH and FW) and Joint Mission Director of the National Health Mission. It is being run with Girl Effect India, with the Indian Social Responsibility Network as the implementing partner. More than 35 officials from the health, education and social welfare departments and the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS) attended.

Free vaccine for 14-year-old girls

Under the state's programme, girls aged 14 can get the HPV vaccine free of cost at government health facilities.

Teeka Talk will add school, family and community outreach to that effort, along with a WhatsApp chatbot that answers common questions about the vaccine and cervical cancer.

Dr Iangrai said the state wanted every eligible girl and her family to have the information and support they need to make an informed decision, and that this would take joint work by the health, education, livelihoods and social welfare departments.

Why health officials are pushing it

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women. Data from the ICMR's National Cancer Registry Programme for 2024 recorded 78,499 new cases and 42,392 deaths in the country.

Joint Director of Health Services and State Immunisation Officer Dr B.R. Marak urged parents to get their 14-year-old daughters vaccinated without delay, in the same way they would for other childhood vaccines.

Kavita Ayyagari, country director of Girl Effect India, said it was natural for parents to have questions about a new vaccine's safety and benefits, and that the programme aims to give them trustworthy answers in a format and language they understand.

Myths slowing uptake

District officials at the meeting said misconceptions among students and parents have kept vaccination numbers low. East Khasi Hills district immunisation officer Rapbor Laloo said misinformation among parents had held back uptake.

Officials asked for short awareness videos for schools, training for MSRLS staff and community workers, and health experts at school health sessions to answer questions directly. The next phase of the programme will focus on rolling it out across departments and districts.

Where to get the vaccine

Parents can ask at their nearest government health centre or primary health centre about HPV vaccination for daughters who are 14.