Expressnews
Chennai, Apr. 2026
In a significant step towards advancing healthcare equity, Dr. A. SOMASUNDARAM, Pediatrician from SABARI CHILD CARE CLINIC, Chennai, supported a targeted vaccination drive for underprivileged girls against chickenpox. The initiative was conducted under G.A.U.R.I. (Generating Awareness on Underprivileged Girls’ Right to Immunization), led by Novo Medi Sciences Pvt. Ltd., with support from CRY (Child Rights and You), helping expand its outreach and on-ground impact. The campaign also mobilized public participation through a missed call initiative, evolving from a symbolic gesture into a broader movement advocating for equitable access to preventive healthcare for underserved girls.
Despite progress in immunization, critical gaps remain, as several vaccines including the chickenpox vaccine are not part of India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). This continues to limit access, particularly for children in rural and low-income communities, leading to disparities in vaccine coverage across regions and socioeconomic groups.
Highlighting the need for timely intervention, Dr.SOMASUNDARAM said, “Chickenpox is preventable, yet many children—especially girls from marginalized backgrounds—remain unvaccinated. Initiatives like G.A.U.R.I. play a vital role in creating awareness and improving access to such healthcare needs. I am proud to contribute to efforts that help protect children from avoidable diseases.”
Chickenpox, caused by the varicella virus, is highly contagious and can lead to complications such as secondary infections and scarring. In certain cases, especially among pregnant women, it may result in serious health risks. While vaccination remains an effective preventive measure, its limited inclusion in public programmes contributes to uneven uptake. By addressing these gaps and enabling access to immunization, the initiative underscores the importance of inclusive healthcare. It aims to drive long-term impact by supporting healthier childhoods and strengthening community health outcomes. The drive utilized the next-generation varicella vaccine, Nexipox Plus®, supported by clinical evidence in India.
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