Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for 14-year-old girls from Ajmer, Rajasthan, on February 28. The initiative marks a major step in India’s effort to prevent cervical cancer among women.
The campaign will use the single-shot Gardasil 4 vaccine. This quadrivalent vaccine protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for most cervical cancer cases, as well as types 6 and 11. Health officials say the vaccine is a proven way to reduce the risk of this largely preventable disease.
According to the Union Health Ministry, all states and Union Territories will join the launch virtually. Chief ministers, administrators, state health ministers, and senior health officials are expected to participate from their respective headquarters. The programme is being coordinated under the National Health Mission.
Under the drive, eligible girls aged 14 years will receive the vaccine at government health facilities across the country. These include Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, primary health centres, community health centres, district hospitals, and government medical colleges. Each vaccination site will have proper cold chain storage and a dedicated medical officer to manage any adverse events following immunisation.
Officials have stressed that cervical cancer remains a major public health concern in India and globally. Since HPV infection is the main cause and vaccination can prevent it, the government aims to expand awareness and coverage through this campaign.
The vaccination will be voluntary, and parental or guardian consent will be mandatory before the shot is given. The initial drive is planned for three months, during which the vaccine will be available daily to maximise coverage. After this phase, HPV vaccination will continue on routine immunisation days.
Health ministry officials said states and Union Territories have already been trained, and required vaccine doses have been supplied to ensure smooth rollout nationwide.
