In a significant step towards preventive healthcare for adolescent girls in Ladakh, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama launched a Free Cervical Cancer Vaccination Drive at Jewetsal Photang, Choglamsar on July 27. The initiative is part of the LAHDC, Leh Subsidy Scheme 2025, implemented in collaboration with the Phande Lekjin Welfare Society and the Medical Department, Leh.

The campaign, aimed at adolescent girls aged 15 to 18, will provide the Gardasil-9 vaccine free of cost, particularly targeting underprivileged and school-going girls. The drive seeks to significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer through timely immunization.

The ceremonial launch was attended by several dignitaries, including Chairman/CEC Adv. Tashi Gyalson, Deputy Chairman Tsering Angchok, DC Leh Romil Singh Donk, CPO Tsewang Gyalson, OSD to CEC Deachen Chondol, CCF Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, CMO Dr. Dolma Chuskit, Medical Superintendent of SNM Hospital Dr. Rinchen Chosdon, and Urgain Gyatso from the Phande Lekjin Welfare Society.

Since schools are currently closed for summer vacation, the vaccination rollout will commence on August 5, across sub-divisional hospitals in the district. The vaccine will be administered in two doses over a six-month interval, following national immunization guidelines.

This health initiative aligns with LAHDC Leh’s declaration of July as the “Month of Compassion”, commemorating the 90th birth year of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Throughout the month, various charitable and welfare activities have been organized across the district to embody the values of compassion, service, and care that His Holiness represents.

A particularly moving moment during the event was when Jigmet Dolma, a specially-abled student from CWSN School, Choshot Yokma, became the first recipient of the HPV vaccine. She received blessings from His Holiness, symbolizing the initiative’s inclusive spirit and commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind when it comes to health and protection.

The campaign is being spearheaded under the leadership of Chairman/CEC Adv. Tashi Gyalson, whose commitment to youth welfare and public health was widely acknowledged during the launch.