Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 21: In a groundbreaking initiative, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has signed India’s first-ever district-level MoU with Satara Zilla Parishad to vaccinate 2,800 schoolgirls against cervical cancer. The initiative is being executed through Jivika Foundation, MDL’s CSR implementation partner, under the Cervical Cancer Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

The immunization drive spanned four districts Gadchiroli, Satara, Raigad, and Mumbai mobilizing over 50 medical professionals to ensure smooth vaccine administration. Ahead of the drive, an awareness campaign was conducted across 50+ schools, engaging over 1,000 teachers and reaching more than 10,000 students and parents to educate them on cervical cancer prevention and early screening.

MDL CSR head Amit Nabira highlighted MDL’s commitment to preventive healthcare, stating, “This initiative is aimed at protecting young girls from cervical cancer while spreading awareness about preventive health. We are honoured to collaborate with Satara Zilla Parishad and Jivika Foundation.”

Satara Zilla Parishad CEO Yashni Nagrajan lauded the partnership, calling Mission Tejaswini a crucial step in reducing the cancer burden and ensuring a cancer-free Satara.
Jivika Foundation founder & director Jignesh Patel emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare, noting that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable diseases with timely vaccination.

The vaccination program followed stringent safety protocols, with AEFI (Adverse Events Following Immunization) preparedness, qualified doctors, nurses, and counsellors on-site, and robust cold chain logistics to ensure vaccine efficacy even in remote schools.

Jivika Foundation has successfully vaccinated over 30,000 girls from underprivileged backgrounds across Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka, reinforcing its mission to eliminate cervical cancer in India.