PM Modi to launch nationwide HPV vaccination campaign on February 28 from Ajmer

Modi to Kick Off Landmark HPV Vaccine Drive in Ajmer

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch India's nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign on February 28 from Ajmer in Rajasthan.

The event, scheduled for 11:30 am, will see participation from chief ministers, state health ministers, and senior officials across all states and union territories joining virtually.

This initiative targets girls aged 14, aiming to provide free vaccinations at government health centers to prevent cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women in the country.

The campaign uses the single-shot Gardasil 4, a quadrivalent vaccine that protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which are primarily responsible for cervical cancer, as well as types 6 and 11 linked to genital warts.

Boosting Access to Prevent Cervical Cancer

Health facilities have been prepared with cold chain points for proper vaccine storage and dedicated medical officers to handle any adverse events following immunization. Cervical cancer has long been a major public health challenge in India, with many cases linked to persistent HPV infection.

Until now, the HPV vaccine, approved nearly two decades ago, was mostly available through private healthcare, leaving girls from low-income families without protection.

This national rollout changes that by integrating the vaccine into the public immunization program, ensuring broader reach to vulnerable populations.

The vaccination is voluntary, requiring written consent from parents or guardians, and will be documented via the U-WIN digital platform.

For the first three months, vaccines will be available daily at designated centers to maximize coverage, after which they will be offered on routine immunization days.

States have already received their allocated doses based on target populations, and officials have undergone training to support smooth implementation.

Expert Praise and Global Context

Former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research has hailed the initiative as a visionary step that could eventually eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat.

The nationwide rollout of HPV vaccination is a landmark moment in India's public health journey. Its inclusion in the national immunisation programme will significantly strengthen efforts to combat cervical cancer and reach those most vulnerable who couldn't afford it previously.

Widespread immunization of young girls before exposure to the virus not only protects individuals but also curbs community transmission.

Over 160 countries have already incorporated HPV vaccines into their national programs, underscoring their proven safety and effectiveness.

In India, this campaign represents a transformative push toward preventive healthcare, equipping the nation to tackle preventable diseases more effectively.

Preparations include distributing vaccines to all cold chain points and setting up special session sites for the launch day, ensuring readiness nationwide. This campaign launch by Prime Minister Modi signals a committed effort to safeguard adolescent girls from cervical cancer through accessible HPV vaccination, with robust infrastructure, training, and voluntary participation ensuring its success.