Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) has entered into a district-level Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Satara Zilla Parishad to vaccinate 2,800 schoolgirls against cervical cancer. This initiative is being carried out through MDL’s CSR implementation partner, Jivika Foundation.
The immunization drive spans four districts—Gadchiroli, Satara, Raigad, and Mumbai—deploying over 50 medical professionals and operational staff to ensure smooth administration of the vaccines. The program aligns with the Cervical Cancer Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, spearheaded by Jivika Foundation.
In preparation for the vaccination campaign, an awareness initiative was conducted across more than 50 schools. This outreach engaged over 1,000 teachers and reached more than 5,000 students and their parents, educating them about cervical health, early detection, and preventive care. Prior to vaccination, Jivika Foundation ensured that written parental consent was obtained, adhering to strict healthcare protocols.
Amit Nabira, CSR Head at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, expressed the company’s commitment to the cause, stating, “Our goal is to safeguard young girls from cervical cancer and promote preventive healthcare. We are privileged to collaborate with Satara Zilla Parishad and Jivika Foundation on this crucial initiative.”
Yashni Nagrajan, CEO of Satara Zilla Parishad, highlighted the importance of the mission, saying, “Mission Tejaswini is a vital step toward safeguarding women’s health and reducing the burden of cancer. MDL’s support in this vaccination program strengthens our efforts to create a cancer-free Satara.”
Jignesh Patel, Founder and Director of Jivika Foundation, emphasized the significance of preventive healthcare, noting, “Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable diseases with timely vaccination. Through this program, we are not only offering protection but also fostering awareness among students, parents, and educators.”
To ensure the safety and efficiency of the vaccination drive, Jivika Foundation implemented robust logistics, AEFI (Adverse Events Following Immunization) preparedness, and a team of skilled doctors, nurses, and counselors at vaccination sites. A well-maintained cold chain logistics system enabled the delivery of vaccines even to remote schools while ensuring their potency.
Jivika Foundation has been actively working towards eliminating cervical cancer in India through corporate collaborations. To date, the foundation has successfully vaccinated over 30,000 girls from underprivileged backgrounds in states including Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka.
Mission Tejaswini, the flagship initiative of Satara Zilla Parishad, focuses on cancer prevention, early detection, and free treatment at government hospitals. As part of this initiative, Jivika Foundation continues to raise awareness and administer HPV vaccinations to schoolgirls, strengthening efforts to combat cervical cancer across the region.
