Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women, yet it is also one of the most preventable. Timely vaccination against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which causes the majority of cervical cancer cases, can save countless lives. Recognizing this urgent need, Dr. Sumita Prabhakar, a senior gynecologist and passionate women’s health advocate, has appealed to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, on 7 May 2025 to provide the cervical cancer vaccine free of cost to all young girls across the state.

Dr. Sumita Prabhakar  has been at the forefront of several impactful initiatives to combat cervical cancer. These include:

• Organizing free Pap smear screening camps for early detection
• Conducting awareness programs in schools and communities
• Promoting the importance of HPV vaccination as a preventive measure
• Training healthcare workers to support early diagnosis and referral

The appeal was presented during a public event hosted at CM House in Dehradun. The program brought together healthcare professionals, social workers, and policymakers to highlight the urgent need for state-supported cervical cancer prevention measures.

Dr. Sumita Prabhakar continues to lead by example in her mission to make cervical cancer a disease of the past. Her vision is clear: no girl should miss the opportunity for life-saving vaccination due to lack of access or affordability.