India's national HPV vaccination campaign is underway. We are extending its reach to girls aged 9–14 in underserved communities.
Lions District 3231 A3 · July 2026–2027

Preventing cervical cancer before it starts

कैंसर से पहले सुरक्षा

Vaccinating 3,000 girls aged 9–14 in underserved communities across Maharashtra — reaching those who need it most through last-mile delivery.

Protect a Girl Today Learn More →
3,000
Girls to protect
9–14
Target age group
$40
Protects one girl
📅 July 2026 – June 2027 · Bandra to Talasari, Maharashtra
The Problem
Cervical cancer is devastating Indian women — and it is preventable
1 in 4
Of global cervical cancer deaths occur in India (GLOBOCAN 2022)
#2
Cervical cancer is the 2nd most common cancer among Indian women
70%
Of cases are preventable through HPV vaccination
<2%
Of at-risk women in India are screened
Why This Initiative

HPV vaccination is our most powerful tool against cervical cancer

💉

Vaccination prevents cervical cancer

The HPV vaccine protects against the strains responsible for over 80% of cervical cancer cases in India. Administered before exposure to the virus, it provides strong, proven protection against this deadly disease.

⏰

Ages 9–14 is the optimal window

WHO and NTAGI recommend ages 9–14 as the ideal time to vaccinate. Girls in this age group mount a stronger immune response — meaning the earlier we vaccinate, the stronger the protection.

📍

We bring the vaccine to them

Girls in underserved communities along the Bandra to Talasari corridor face real barriers to preventive healthcare. We bring vaccination directly to their communities — no travel required.

🤝

Extending the government's effort

India's national HPV campaign is underway and we are proud to extend its reach. We are bringing last-mile delivery to underserved communities across Maharashtra as part of this national movement.

Our Approach

How we deliver vaccination to those who need it most

Step 01

Identify high-need communities

Map underserved communities with limited access to preventive healthcare across the Bandra to Talasari corridor

Step 02

Consent & readiness

Parental consent collected in Marathi. Pre-vaccination counselling by qualified medical teams on site

Step 03

Vaccination camp

Licensed doctors administer Gardasil by Merck — the same vaccine used in India's national programme — with full medical oversight

Step 04

Track & follow up

Full documentation and post-vaccination observation to ensure every girl completes her vaccination schedule

Support the Initiative

Every dollar protects a girl

US donations are tax-deductible. Questions? Email bankadarshana@gmail.com

1 girl
$40
Protect One Girl
Full cost of vaccinating one girl — vaccine, medical staff, cold chain, and documentation.
Donate $40
10 girls
$400
Protect 10 Girls
Funds vaccination for 10 girls — vaccine, medical oversight, cold chain, and follow-up.
Donate $400
Most popular
50 girls
$2,000
Protect 50 Girls
Funds one full vaccination camp — 50 girls, licensed doctors, ambulance on standby, cold chain.
Donate $2,000
150 girls
$6,000
Protect 150 Girls
A major gift protecting 150 girls — with full impact reporting and personal recognition.
Donate $6,000
Our Story

Why I built this

I spend my days understanding why innovative medicines don't reach the patients who need them — navigating pricing, market access, and the systems that determine who gets treated.

This initiative started from a simple realization: a vaccine that can protect girls from cervical cancer already exists. Girls in underserved communities across Maharashtra don't have access to it — not because of science, but because of last-mile gaps that funding and coordination can close.

India's government has launched a national HPV campaign and we are proud to extend its reach — ensuring girls aged 9–14 in high-need communities are not left behind.

Darshana Banka Leo Member, Lions District 3231 A3 · Life Sciences Consultant, New York City bankadarshana@gmail.com
3,000
Girls we aim to protect
1 in 4
Of global cervical cancer deaths are in India
93–100%
Vaccine efficacy against covered HPV types
9–14
Optimal age for strongest immune response
In partnership with
Lions International District 3231 A3
Questions

Common questions

Is it safe to vaccinate girls aged 9–14? +
Yes — WHO and India's NTAGI both recommend ages 9–14 as the optimal vaccination window. Girls in this age group mount a stronger immune response than older adolescents, making early vaccination clinically superior.
How does this relate to the government's campaign? +
India's national HPV campaign launched February 28, 2026 and Maharashtra's drive began March 8. Our initiative complements and extends this effort by bringing last-mile delivery to underserved communities across Maharashtra.
Can I donate from the US? +
Yes — US donors can give in dollars and receive a tax-deductible receipt. Email bankadarshana@gmail.com for the direct giving link.
Which vaccine is being used? +
We use Gardasil, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine by Merck — the same vaccine used in India's national government campaign. It is approved by India's drug regulator and protects against the HPV strains responsible for over 80% of cervical cancer cases in India.
How will my donation be used? +
Donations go directly toward vaccine procurement, licensed medical staff, cold chain logistics, ambulance on standby, documentation, and community awareness and consent facilitation.
How do I get involved beyond donating? +
We welcome healthcare professionals, community volunteers, and organizational partners. Share this page, or email bankadarshana@gmail.com to explore collaboration.