Baruipur/Kolkata: A major women’s health and cervical cancer awareness camp was held in Baruipur on Sunday, jointly organised by the Bengal Obstetric and Gynaecological Society (BOGS), Child in Need Institute (CINI), and the Rotary Club, with support from NISHTHA. The initiative aimed to strengthen awareness on cervical cancer, promote HPV vaccination, and address the alarming rise of anaemia among adolescent girls, says a press release.
The camp was attended by senior BOGS representatives — Dr. M. M. Samsuzzoha, President; Dr. Tulika Jha, Honorary Secretary; Dr. Shaktirupa Chakraborty, Dr. Shabana Rose Chowdhury, Dr. Sushmita Mitra and Dr. Sharmishtha Ganguly. Malashree Sahu, Senior Manager, NISHTHA, was also present.
CINI’s field team — Shrabani Das, Sanchari Chakraborty, Ravi Samanta, Sayani Adhikari and Sarika Parvin — coordinated the programme, which included overall health check-ups, bone density tests, anaemia screening, cervical cancer awareness sessions, and hands-on CPR training. For many adolescent girls, this was their first direct exposure to information on cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine.
More than 100 women and adolescent girls underwent haemoglobin and bone-density tests. Alarmingly, 94% of girls aged 14–22 were found anaemic, with the average haemoglobin level recorded at a low 10.6 g/dl. Iron and calcium tablets and sanitary napkins were distributed after the screening.
BOGS doctors highlighted the urgent need for HPV vaccination in communities with high anaemia prevalence and announced that interested girls below 15 years will receive free HPV vaccines in the next phase.
CINI’s National Advocacy Officer, Sujoy Roy, expressed concern over the anaemia figures. He said, “The fact that 94% of girls aged 14–22 are anaemic is alarming. Chronic anaemia increases HPV viral load, slows viral clearance and raises the risk of progression to cervical pre-cancer. Early HPV vaccination is therefore critical.”
The day-long camp also featured CPR demonstrations and health quizzes, which drew enthusiastic participation. Winners received small prizes. Serum Pathology supported the event by distributing nutritious food among adolescent participants.
Many girls shared that they initially feared haemoglobin testing, assuming it involved needles, but their hesitation eased after experiencing the painless, non-invasive test. Their excitement after learning CPR and winning quiz prizes reflected the programme’s impact. Organisers believe many will soon come forward to receive the HPV vaccine.
