India Launches Nationwide HPV Vaccination Campaign to Prevent Cervical Cancer

In a landmark initiative aimed at safeguarding the health of young women and preventing cervical cancer, the Indian government launched a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign on February 28, 2026, from Ajmer, Rajasthan. The campaign targets approximately 1.2 crore girls aged 14 years annually.

A Pivotal Step Towards Empowering ‘Nari Shakti’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the HPV vaccination campaign as a pivotal initiative to empower India’s ‘Nari Shakti’ (women power). He emphasized the importance of a mother’s health for the well-being of the entire family, highlighting the government’s commitment to prioritizing women’s health through various mission-driven policies. Prime Minister’s Office

Addressing a Major Public Health Concern

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India. According to the World Health Organization’s GLOBOCAN 2022 report, India accounts for over 1.2 lakh new cases and nearly 80,000 deaths annually. News18 Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types, particularly 16 and 18, is the primary cause of the majority of cervical cancer cases.

Vaccine Safety, Efficacy and Global Alignment

The HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and provides long-lasting protection against high-risk HPV strains. Global and national expert bodies, including the World Health Organization and India’s National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI), recommend HPV vaccination. News18 Globally, 160 out of 194 countries have introduced the HPV vaccine into their National Immunization Programs, with 90 countries adopting a single-dose schedule.

India is implementing a single-dose regimen using Gardasil-4, which covers HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. Studies demonstrate that HPV vaccines are 93–100% effective in preventing cervical cancer caused by the vaccine-covered HPV types, and high vaccination coverage creates a herd effect, indirectly protecting unvaccinated individuals.

Campaign Details and Operational Framework

The 90-day campaign will be followed by the integration of the HPV vaccine into routine immunization sessions. Vaccinations will be administered at government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs), District Hospitals, and Government Medical Colleges. Prime Minister’s Office

The vaccine, a single 0.5 ml intramuscular injection in the left upper arm, is being offered free of charge and on a voluntary basis, with mandatory parental or guardian consent. Beneficiaries can pre-register through the U-WIN digital platform or opt for walk-in vaccination. Parental consent will be digitally recorded through the U-WIN platform, with provisions for hard copy consent in areas lacking internet connectivity.

The U-WIN platform will manage session planning and reporting, whereas the e-VIN portal will oversee vaccine stock management and logistics.

Safety Measures and Medical Guidelines

The program adheres to strict medical safety protocols. Vaccination will be deferred in cases of moderate or severe illness, severe allergic reactions to previous vaccines, yeast allergies, or if the girl is outside the target age group. Girls who have already received HPV vaccines (Gardasil, Gardasil-9, Cervarix, or Cervavac) will have their vaccination status updated on U-WIN. Trained Medical Officers will supervise all vaccination sessions, and functional Cold Chain Points (CCPs) and 24/7 government health facilities will be available to manage any rare Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI).

Nationwide Rollout and Future Outlook

Following the launch in Ajmer, all States and Union Territories organized local rollout events to ensure simultaneous nationwide implementation. The nationwide HPV vaccination campaign represents a significant milestone in India’s preventive healthcare strategy, reflecting evidence-based policymaking and delivery-focused governance. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has urged parents and guardians to ensure their 14-year-old daughters receive the HPV vaccine during the campaign period.