Dr L Chuchong Noklang, EAC Zunheboto Headquarters, along with DHEW team and Participants at the Young Girls Advocacy Club Essay Competition Held in Zunheboto on April 10. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | April 10
The District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Zunheboto, under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, organised an essay competition for members of the Young Girls Advocacy Club (Illi Lothe Loji), focusing on health issues under the theme “The Role of Naga Women in Developed India (Viksit Bharat)” at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office Conference Hall, Zunheboto, on April 10.
Dr L Chuchong Noklang, EAC Zunheboto Headquarters, who served as the special guest for the programme, highlighted that women’s health is an issue that is often neglected and not openly discussed and rather prioritize other things, including menstrual health, physical health and mental health, adding that around 40% of the young females have Anemia. Highlighting that there are so many government programmes to address this issue now.
She further spoke about the importance of the HPV vaccination programme for girls aged 14 years and 15 plus 3 months, aimed at reducing and preventing India’s high burden of cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus recently launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 28, 2026, at Ajmer, Rajasthan for the prevention of cervical cancer among women. She stated that cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer among women in India next to breast cancer which is often approached with confusion and apprehension in the society now.
Highlighting that cervical cancer is preventable through HPV vaccination, she emphasised, based on her medical background most women tend to ignore the disease until it becomes too late. She noted that cervical cancer often shows no signs or symptoms in its early stages, and by the time it is detected, treatment may be difficult.
She informed that the government has started offering the HPV vaccine free of cost at district hospitals on all working days, and students can avail the vaccine by producing their school ID card and Aadhaar card at the District Hospital.
“I have gotten the vaccination and it is safe, back in the days there was no such programme and I had to go to the private sector to get the vaccine” she stated, adding that as of 2022, 50 crore doses of HPV Vaccination have been administered globally, and no major adverse cases have been reported so far.
She further elaborated that the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 aims to develop and progress the country where young girls can share ideas and express their opinions, create awareness and motivate and empower one another through inclusive and progressive ensuring empowering healthy and young citizens. Encouraging the participants, she urged them to continue striving for excellence, stating that perfection follows dedication and emphasised that participation, experience, and learning matter the most.
Earlier, Kiyepu Yeptho, Gender Specialist, DHEW Zunheboto, chaired the programme and highlighted that the Young Girls Advocacy Club is a vision of the Deputy Commissioner Zunheboto Dharam Raj, IAS.
The announcement of winners and prize distribution was conducted by Sheli V, DMC, DHEW Zunheboto, while the vote of thanks was pronounced by Viveni Yeptho, Gender Specialist, DHEW Zunheboto.
The winners of the essay competition includes: 1st position- Livini V Zhimo from Olympic Higher Secondary School; 2nd Position- Kuvutoli I Yeptho from Government Higher Secondary School; and 3rd Position- Atunali K Kinny from Olympic Higher Secondary School, all from Zunheboto.
