A media wokshop was held in Gangtok on July 25 besides a session on awareness on HPV Vaccine. In the programme hosted by UNICEF and State Health Deptt, stress was laid on positive and factual information.

Dr Maulik Shah, Health officer, UNICEF NE States said,"In health sector,once something is said and next day again a different idea is read, leading to confusion.Hence, in health sector quoting source is a must while reporting research findings,theories or new information." He also talked of facts on Immunization and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine.

Commissioner cum Secretary Health Vishal Chauhan said Sikkim being a progressive State is going to be the first one launching the vaccine throughout the whole State. As many as 30,000 girls have to be immunized. Punjab had started earlier but only in two districts and not statewide.

The officer from WHO and doctors of state government also participated in the workshop. The vaccine preventing Cervical Cancer (caused by HPV infection) will be launched all over Sikkim on July 30 next. It is meant for girls from 9 to 14 years of age.They have to be administered two dozes per head.One doze costs Rs 3,000,but keeping in view the economically backward population UNICEF has assured making it available at Rs 400. State will pay it for public Health & Welfare.