The silent threat of cervical cancer continues to cast a shadow over women’s health in India. As the second most common cancer affecting women aged 15 to 44, this preventable disease claims over 60,000 lives annually, with more than 1.67 lakh new cases reported each year, according to the World Health Organization.
The tragedy lies in just how preventable these numbers are.
Medical experts agree that HPV vaccination is one of the most powerful tools in the fight against cervical cancer. When administered to girls between the ages of 9 and 14—and effective up to age 40—the vaccine significantly reduces the risk of developing this life-threatening condition. Early intervention through vaccination is the most effective way to stop cervical cancer at its source, with the potential to save thousands of lives.
Despite its proven effectiveness, the HPV vaccine remains inaccessible to many due to its prohibitive cost. Priced between Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 5,000 per dose, this essential vaccine remains out of reach for many low-income families. The financial barrier creates a healthcare disparity where protection becomes a privilege of economic status rather than a universal right.
Recognizing this critical gap in healthcare access, Jalgaon Lions Club, District 3234-H2, launched an initiative to provide free HPV vaccinations to girls who would otherwise remain unprotected. Through strategic partnerships with Bhartiya Sindhu Sabha and Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA), they created a framework to deliver this life-saving intervention to recipients.
“Every member approached this project with personal urgency, recognizing that women are the lifeline of families and the firm foundation of our world,” explains Kishore Beharani, District Chairperson of the activity.
The initiative gained crucial medical expertise through Dr. Dhananjaya Saranath from CPAA, while local cancer specialist Dr. Nilesh Chandak and his spouse Shradha Chandak provided vital community education. They accompanied Lions members to schools, helping parents and students understand the importance of vaccination.
The Civil Hospital in Jalgaon provided critical infrastructure, offering their deep freezer facilities to store the temperature-sensitive vaccines.
In 2022-2023, the first camp provided free cervical cancer vaccines to 1,400 girls, quickly scaling to 5,500 recipients. The following year witnessed another 4,500 girls receiving this life-saving protection.
What began as a local initiative gained momentum under District Governor Girish Sisodia’s leadership, who elevated the vaccination drive to a district-wide activity. The results have been nothing short of remarkable.
Today, more than 7,000 girls from Jalgaon, Amalner, Jalna, Khamgaon, and Malkapur have been vaccinated free of charge, with the Lions setting their sights on reaching 10,000 girls in District 3234-H2.
Behind these impressive numbers stands a dedicated team of Lions working tirelessly. Kishore Beharani, Dinesh Bora, Sugandhchand Munot, Reshma Beharani, Shirish Sisodia, and Sunil Kolhe coordinated with school management and teachers who played crucial roles in educating parents and bringing girls to vaccination camps.
With their characteristic determination, the Lions of District 3234-H2 are not stopping at district-level impact. Plans are underway to elevate this life-saving initiative to the Multiple District level, potentially protecting tens of thousands more girls across a wider geographic area.