West Bengal partners with sex workers' collective for cervical cancer vaccination in Sonagachi

The West Bengal government has sought the assistance of the Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee (DMSC), a collective of sex workers, to administer the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to sex workers in Kolkata's Sonagachi red-light area. Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee announced the initiative on July 12, 2026, during DMSC's 31st birth anniversary event.

'DMSC has long worked to establish the rights of sex workers. They have spread awareness and protected these women from sexually transmitted diseases. Sex workers are most vulnerable to cervical cancer, and we need to prevent it. Our department is ready to provide the vaccine and seeks DMSC's support,' Mukherjee said.

The minister urged DMSC activists to help gather details of sex workers in Sonagachi so that the HPV vaccine can be distributed in an organised manner. The central government's 2026-27 budget declared free HPV vaccinations for all 14-year-old girls. Mukherjee emphasised that girls aged 14-15 in Sonagachi should receive the vaccine immediately, as it is free for them, and the state government will extend it to other women.

Mukherjee also stressed the need for free condom vending machines in Sonagachi, requesting sex workers to insist on condom use with clients. He assured that the government would provide the machines once DMSC submits a proposal with demands and details.

At the event, Mukherjee honoured 25 children from the community who passed secondary and higher secondary examinations this year and provided a one-time honorarium to elderly sex workers.

Bishakha Laskar, Secretary of DMSC, said, 'This 31st birth anniversary celebrates the unity of thousands of sex workers who have built one of the world's most significant community-led movements. It honours our history, the contributions of our elders, achievements of our youth, and renews our commitment to equality and justice.'

Sabita Saha, a sex worker from Diamond Harbour, said, 'Before Durbar, I never imagined I could speak confidently about our lives and rights before officials. Through Durbar's meetings and training, I found my voice. Today I speak with confidence because Durbar believed in me.'

Mona Mishra, Senior Advisor of UNDP, praised DMSC for demonstrating meaningful change in the lives of sex workers through three decades of courage, collective action, and constitutional imagination. 'It has transformed the conversation from pity to rights, from rescue to dignity, from speaking for sex workers to listening to them,' she said.

The Rotary Club of Calcutta has also announced a free HPV vaccination programme for all women sex workers and their children, starting next week.