Cervical cancer is a silent threat to women in India, with devastating statistics to prove it—1 in 52 Indian women is likely to die from this preventable disease. The culprit? Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections, which often precede cervical cancer.
All it takes is a vaccine to protect a child from cervical cancer.
The good news? There is a vaccine that can protect against it. The bad news? Only 6% of Indians are aware of the HPV vaccine’s existence, and at a prohibitive cost of Rs. 9,000 per child, access is out of reach for most families. Recognizing this critical gap, Reach Lives stepped up with We Can 2020, a comprehensive initiative to spread awareness, raise funds, and deliver life-saving vaccinations to underserved communities in Goa.
Why Focus on Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Indian women, yet it is entirely preventable. The HPV vaccine, administered to adolescents, provides protection against the HPV infection that can lead to cervical cancer later in life. However, barriers such as lack of awareness, stigma, and high costs mean that countless children are left unprotected.
At Reach Lives, we believe that no child should miss out on a vaccine that can save their future. This conviction inspired us to launch the We Can 2020 campaign, with a mission to vaccinate children and educate communities about the importance of cervical cancer prevention.
How We Made It Happen
1. Fundraising Efforts
We knew that to make the vaccine accessible, we needed community support. Reach Lives partnered with the Goa College of Architecture to organize creative and impactful fundraising events. One standout event was the WeCan 2020 Marathon, which brought together over 500 runners and walkers from across Goa. The funds raised from these events played a crucial role in subsidizing the cost of vaccinations.
2. Awareness Programs
Education is the first step to prevention. Over the course of a month, we conducted health awareness campaigns in Goa to address two key goals:
Educating women about the importance of regular cervical cancer screenings.
Highlighting the critical need for vaccinating adolescents against HPV to protect future generations.
Through these programs, we reached hundreds of families, helping them understand the life-saving benefits of early intervention.
3. Vaccination Clinics
In January 2020, in partnership with Manipal Hospital, Goa, and using GSK’s Cervarix vaccine, we launched a series of free vaccination clinics. Working closely with local communities, we ensured that these clinics were accessible and convenient for families. By November 2020, we successfully vaccinated 250 children, giving them a chance at a healthier future free from the threat of cervical cancer.
The Road Ahead
While We Can 2020 marked a significant milestone, our work doesn’t stop here. This initiative laid the groundwork for ongoing vaccination efforts, with plans to expand to other communities in need. The goal is clear: to ensure that every child, regardless of financial constraints, has access to this life-saving vaccine.
How You Can Help
The fight against cervical cancer is far from over. Your support can help us continue this life-saving work and protect even more children from preventable diseases. Here’s how you can get involved:
Donate: Your contribution can fund vaccines for children who need them the most.
Spread Awareness: Share information about the HPV vaccine with your community and encourage others to act.
Partner with Us: Collaborate with Reach Lives to bring vaccination programs to underserved communities.
Together, We Can Protect Futures
At Reach Lives, we believe that prevention is the greatest gift we can give. Through initiatives like We Can 2020, we are not just vaccinating children—we are protecting dreams, aspirations, and futures. Join us in this journey and be part of the movement to eliminate cervical cancer, one child at a time.
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