AAPI’s Cervical Cancer Vaccination Program concludes in Hyderabad

July 19, 2022

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A virtual meeting was held between AAPI leaders in the U.S. and those who implemented the HPV vaccination program in Hyderabad, India, to conclude the landmark program. Photo: AAPI

The HPV Vaccination Initiative to prevent HPV related cancers including Cervical cancer started by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), in collaboration with Tanvir Foundation concluded successfully in Hyderabad with a virtual program.

Attended by leadership of AAPI and local participation by leadership of Indian Medical Association-Telangana, the virtual meeting took place July 17, 2022.

“It was heartening to be part of this noble initiative’s concluding ceremony virtually,’ Dr. Ravi Kolli, president of AAPI is quoted saying in a press release from AAPI.

The first-of-its-kind program administered free HPV vaccines to the poor and underserved adolescent girls at the local Tanvir Hospital in Srinagar Colony, Hyderabad, with the aim of preventing HPV related cancers, including cervical cancer, which is a leading cause of cancer deaths among women in India.

The program was launched Jan. 9, 2022, during the 15^th annual Global Healthcare Summit in Hyderabad at Tanvir Hospital under the leadership of Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, Immediate past president of AAPI.

Members of the Indian team responsible for implementing the AAPI supported HPV vaccination program in Hyderabad India, pose for a photo July 17, 2022, during teleconference with US AAPI team to conclude the program. Photo: AAPI

The HPV vaccination program requires two doses of the vaccine to prevent cancer. The 2^nd phase of the free vaccination camp was conducted on July 17^th, 2022, also at Tanvir Hospital. This event began with the lighting of the traditional lamp by Dr. Sampath Rao, president of IMA-Telangana, Dr. Raghunandan, president of IMA North, Dr. Surendranath, secretary of IMA Telangana, Dr. Meeta Singh, and Dr. Naunihal Singh of Tanvir Hospital who administered second dose of HPV vaccine to the 100 adolescent girls, completing the vaccination program

AAPI Advisor Dr. Dwarakanatha Reddy said, “If vaccination programs are effectively implemented, approximately 90 percent of invasive cervical cancer cases worldwide could be prevented, in addition to the majority of precancerous lesions.”

Several other leaders of AAPI including Dr. V. Ranga, chair, Board of Trustees, Dr. Anjana Samaddar, president-elect of AAPI, Dr. Satheesh Kathula, vice president of AAPI, Dr. Meher Medavaram, an organizer of the program, and the secretary of AAPI, commented on the significance of this program and its impact on women.