Rotary Club of Pune Downtown Back
Free Preventive Vaccination Drive against Cervical Cancer for School Girls Launched in Pune, in March 2026. 

Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in India, posing a significant public health challenge. In alignment with the global goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030, a special initiative has been undertaken to promote preventive healthcare among young girls.
The Rotary Club of Poona Downtown has launched a project to provide free HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination to girls in the age group of 9 to 14 years. The project aims to create awareness and ensure protection against cervical cancer through early immunization.
The initiative was inaugurated today at Pune Camp Education Society’s Kanyashala, Pune, where 38 school girls were administered the HPV vaccine, marking the beginning of this important health campaign.
The event was attended by Rotary Director Zimra Israel, Secretary Parveen Sadekar, Pundalik Kudwa, Gautam Idnani, Sameer Gosavi, Director of Lohia Jain Group Riddhi Jain, President of Jeevika Foundation Jignesh Patel, along with Prachi Dalu, Prathamesh, Aishwarya, President of Pune Camp Education Society Walchandji Sancheti, Dr. Pravda Telang, Headmistress Mrs. Badadal, Mahajan C.B., and Vilas Jadhav.
Welcoming the guests, Zimra Israel highlighted that while childhood vaccines for diseases like polio and measles have achieved widespread acceptance in India, there is still limited awareness and several misconceptions about vaccines for adolescents and adults, particularly regarding their safety and side effects.
She emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare and stated,
“Creating awareness about cervical cancer and ensuring preventive vaccination is essential. Through this initiative, we aim to safeguard the health of young girls and contribute to a healthier future generation.”
She also expressed gratitude to Jeevika Foundation and Lohia Jain Group for their valuable support in making this project possible.
Speaking on the occasion, Riddhi Jain, Director of Lohia Jain Group, said………..
“While we are in the business of building homes, our core mission is social welfare. We are extremely happy to be part of this meaningful vaccination drive.”