Dalai Lama launches cervical cancer vaccine drive in Leh

In a major step towards preventive healthcare for young girls in Ladakh, the Dalai Lama formally launched the cervical cancer vaccine campaign at Jewetsal Photang, Choglamsar.

The initiative is being carried out under the LAHDC, Leh subsidy scheme, through the Medical Department Leh, in collaboration with the Phande Lekjin Welfare Society. The vaccination will be provided free of cost, particularly targeting underprivileged school-going adolescent girls, with the aim of reducing the risk of cervical cancer through timely immunisation.

As schools are currently closed for summer holidays, the actual roll-out of the vaccination will begin from August 5 across various sub-divisional hospitals in the district. The vaccine will be administered in two doses over a six-month interval following national health guidelines for effective protection.

“The launch comes at a meaningful time as LAHDC Leh has declared July as the ‘Month of Compassion’ to commemorate the 90th birth year of the Dalai Lama. Throughout this month, various welfare and charitable activities have been organised across the district, highlighting the values of care, service and compassion that the Dalai Lama embodies,” a spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said, “A deeply moving moment during the launch was when Jigmet Dolma, a specially-abled student from CWSN school Choshot Yokma, became the first recipient of the vaccine. She was blessed by the Dalai Lama, symbolising the inclusive spirit of the initiative and the shared commitment to ensure no child is left behind in matters of health and protection.”