Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Programme from Ajmer, Rajasthan, targeting 14-year-old girls across India. The initiative aims to prevent cervical cancer and will provide the vaccine free of cost at government health facilities. This significant step aligns with the government's broader efforts to strengthen women's health and advance preventive healthcare across the country.[timesofindia+3]
Campaign Details and Reach
The nationwide program will cover approximately 1.15 crore (11.5 million) girls each year, focusing on those aged 14 years in all States and Union Territories.The vaccine, known as Gardasil 4, is a quadrivalent HPV vaccine.It offers protection against four key HPV types: high-risk oncogenic strains 16 and 18, which are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancers globally, as well as low-risk types 6 and 11, which cause about 90% of genital warts.[timesofindia+13]
Vaccination will be voluntary, with parental or guardian consent required before administration.Each session will be overseen by trained medical officers and supported by skilled healthcare teams.All vaccination sites will have functional Cold Chain Points and access to 24x7 government health facilities to manage any rare Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI).The program will utilize a single-dose regimen for adolescents, consistent with recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), which has shown strong immunity and high efficacy rates exceeding 93% against persistent HPV infections.[timesofindia+9]
The Union Health Ministry communicated the details of the program to all states on February 25, stating that the single dose of Gardasil 4 would be administered at various government health facilities.These facilities include Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Primary Health Centres), Community Health Centres, Sub-District and District Hospitals, and Government Medical Colleges.The vaccination drive will be tracked through the U-WIN digital platform to ensure rapid coverage and monitoring.[etvbharat+6]
Tackling Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer remains a significant public health challenge in India, ranking as the second most common cancer among women.The disease claims over 42,000 lives each year in the country, with nearly 80,000 new cases reported annually.Globally, HPV vaccines are among the most extensively studied, with more than 500 million doses administered since 2006.Scientific evidence demonstrates 93-100% effectiveness in preventing cervical cancer caused by the vaccine-covered HPV types.Studies from Sweden and England in 2020-2021 also showed that vaccination in teenage years could reduce the risk of cervical cancer by over 85% by age 30.[indianexpress+10]
India's decision to introduce the vaccine at age 14 is strategic, as evidence suggests this age group develops the strongest and longest-lasting protection, well before potential exposure to the virus.This approach aligns with global recommendations and the expert guidance of India's National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI).India has secured HPV vaccine supplies through a transparent, globally supported procurement mechanism, partnering with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which has provided millions of Gardasil doses.[indiatoday+7]
Broader Health Vision and Future Steps
The launch of the HPV vaccination campaign marks a decisive step in India's public health journey and fulfills the government's commitment to its "Swastha Nari" (Healthy Woman) vision.This vision emphasizes prevention, protection, and equity at the core of women's healthcare.By prioritizing early intervention and disease prevention, the government aims to significantly reduce the future burden of cervical cancer in the country.[pib+4]
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the government's dedication to the health and prosperity of the nation's daughters. "We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the daughters of the country are healthy and prosperous," Prime Minister Modi posted on X. "The objective of this initiative is the prevention of cervical cancer."The initiative is expected to provide lifelong protection, contributing to the World Health Organization's goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030.[timesofindia+4]
Alongside the health initiative, Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple development projects in Ajmer worth over Rs 16,680 crore.These projects include urban development, roads, irrigation, drinking water supply, energy, and industrial infrastructure.He also distributed more than 21,800 appointment letters to newly recruited government employees in Rajasthan.The comprehensive approach underscores the government's commitment to holistic development, integrating public health with broader socio-economic progress.[timesofindia+4]
India's inclusion of HPV vaccination in its national immunization schedule places it among 160 countries worldwide that have already adopted this critical preventive measure.This program represents a major leap towards a future where cervical cancer is no longer a leading cause of mortality among women in India.[etvbharat+1]
