Dr S Mugunthan – Chennaionline

Strengthening the need for equitable healthcare access, Dr. S. Mugunthan, Pediatrician from ST Hospital, Pondicherry recently supported a focused vaccination drive for underprivileged girls against chickenpox. The activity was carried out under G.A.U.R.I. (Generating Awareness on Underprivileged Girls’ Right to Immunization), an initiative by Novo Medi Sciences Pvt. Ltd., with support from CRY (Child Rights and You), enabling wider outreach and on-ground implementation. As part of the campaign, citizens were encouraged to participate through a missed call initiative, turning a simple show of support into a growing movement advocating preventive healthcare access for underserved girls. While India has made strides in immunization, access gaps remain. Key vaccines, including the one for chickenpox, are not currently included in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), leaving many children—especially those in rural and economically weaker communities—without adequate protection. This continues to create uneven vaccine coverage across regions and populations. Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Mugunthan said, “Chickenpox is largely preventable, yet vaccination gaps persist, particularly among vulnerable groups. Ensuring timely immunization for every girl child is essential for stronger, healthier communities. Platforms like G.A.U.R.I. help raise awareness and improve access where it is needed most.” Chickenpox, caused by the varicella virus, spreads easily and can lead to complications such as infections and scarring. In certain high-risk cases, including during pregnancy, it may result in serious health concerns. Although vaccination offers effective protection, its limited integration into public health programmes affects overall uptake. Through efforts like this, the initiative aims to address disparities in access and highlight the importance of inclusive immunization. By prioritizing underserved communities, it seeks to contribute to healthier childhoods and more resilient public health systems. The vaccination drive utilized Nexipox Plus®, a next-generation varicella vaccine backed by clinical evidence in India.