PM Modi Launches Nationwide HPV Vaccination Drive for 1.15 Crore Girls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Programme from Ajmer, Rajasthan, marking a major step in India’s preventive healthcare efforts against cervical cancer.

The large-scale immunisation campaign aims to protect adolescent girls from HPV infections, which are the leading cause of cervical cancer. Addressing a public gathering in Ajmer, the Prime Minister said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare access and ensuring holistic development across the country.

1.15 Crore Girls to Be Vaccinated Every Year

Under the new programme, approximately 1.15 crore girls aged 14 years will be vaccinated annually across all States and Union Territories. The HPV vaccine will be provided free of cost at designated government health facilities.

Vaccination sessions will be conducted at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Primary Health Centres), community health centres, sub-district and district hospitals, and government medical colleges. Medical officers and trained healthcare teams will supervise the process to ensure safe and efficient delivery.

Authorities have confirmed that cold chain infrastructure has been strengthened to maintain vaccine quality. Vaccination sites will be connected to 247 government health facilities to ensure immediate medical response in case of rare adverse events following immunisation (AEFI).

Why HPV Vaccination Is Critical

According to GLOBOCAN 2022 data, cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in India. The country records over 1.2 lakh new cases and more than 80,000 deaths each year.

Scientific studies show that nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of Human Papillomavirus, particularly HPV types 16 and 18. These two strains account for more than 80 percent of cervical cancer cases in India.

By targeting adolescent girls before potential exposure, the vaccination programme aims to significantly reduce future disease burden and mortality rates.

Strengthening Preventive Healthcare

Public health experts have long advocated nationwide HPV immunisation as a crucial tool in reducing cervical cancer cases. The launch of the programme signals India’s shift toward preventive healthcare rather than reactive treatment.

The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to expand access to essential vaccines under the national immunisation framework. Officials emphasised that awareness campaigns will run alongside vaccination drives to educate families about the importance of early protection.

With the nationwide rollout now underway, the focus will be on ensuring coverage, monitoring vaccine uptake, and maintaining safety standards across states.

The HPV vaccination campaign is expected to play a transformative role in improving women’s health outcomes in India over the coming decades.