In a vital effort toward cancer prevention and adolescent health equity, 14 young people living with HIV were vaccinated against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) during a special screening and awareness drive organised by Human Touch Foundation and the National Coalition of People Living with HIV (NCPI+), with support from the Rotary Club of Dona Paula and Indian medical Association Bicholim Branch .
The programme began with an interactive awareness session, helping adolescents and caregivers understand HPV transmission, cancer risks, and the importance of early vaccination — especially for those living with HIV, who are at higher risk for persistent HPV infections and related complications.
The initiative was led by Dr. Shekhar Salkar, President of Indian Medical Association (IMA), Bicholim, and assisted by Dr. Elaine Rodrigues, Co-ordinator of the HPV Vaccination Drive of Rotary Club of Dona Paula, along with Nilam. The programme was further supported by Manipal Hospital, which provided an ambulance and emergency medical staff on-site.
The event was made possible with the support of Felippe Alvares, Secretary of the Rotary Club of Dona Paula, who expressed his happiness to be a part of such an initiative which gives immense satisfaction.
The drive was facilitated by Celina Menezes, Advocacy Officer, NCPI+, with coordination support from Ucila Miranda, Programme Co-ordinator at Human Touch Foundation, and Usha Pawar.
“If girls are vaccinated early—between 9 to 15 years—we can reach a future where cervical cancer is no longer a threat,” emphasised Dr. Shekhar Salkar, underlining the importance of early intervention.
Celina Menezes added, “Adolescents living with HIV are significantly more vulnerable to persistent HPV infections, which can lead to cancers at an earlier age and with more aggressive progression. This vaccine offers them protection and a pathway to a healthier future.”
This initiative is part of Human Touch Foundation’s broader mission to promote inclusive, adolescent-centered healthcare and to close health equity gaps for vulnerable communities in Goa.
Human Touch Foundation has been consistently working to advance adolescent health and wellbeing, particularly in vulnerable areas and with marginalized groups such as adolescents living with HIV. The organisation also actively engages in the area of sexual and reproductive health, aiming to ensure that every adolescent has access to accurate information, quality services, and a safe environment to thrive, stated a press release issued by the Indian Medical Association, Bicholim Branch.
