Puducherry: The Department of Radiation Oncology at JIPMER on Wednesday organised a mass health education and cervical cancer awareness programme at Kannagi Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Villianur.

Women from the local community, school students, and college students from Kasturba College participated.

Experts conducted sessions on nutrition, hygiene, mental health, safe blood and organ donation, and healthy eating. Participants also received CPR training.

The initiative aimed at empowering young women with preventive health knowledge and building awareness towards a cervical cancer-free society.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women, causing over 75,000 deaths annually. Persistent infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause, but vaccination — recommended for girls aged 9 to 26 — offers safe and effective protection, especially when given early.

The Union government has already begun phased HPV vaccination for 14-year-old girls as part of its elimination strategy. The programme aligns with the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen women's health and preventive care.

Since September 17, JIPMER teams have been conducting a series of community programmes under the campaign, reflecting the institute's role in advancing national priorities through medical expertise and outreach.