Digital News Guru Rajasthan Desk:
PM Modi’s HPV Vaccination Campaign
On 28 February 2026, Narendra Modi formally launched a landmark nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign from Ajmer, Rajasthan, marking a historic moment in India’s battle against cervical cancer — a disease that has long been one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in the country.
The ambitious initiative, part of the Centre’s broader “Swastha Nari” public health mission, aims to provide free HPV vaccination to approximately 1.15 crore (11.5 million) girls aged 14 years every year across all States and Union Territories, building an enduring shield of protection against cervical cancer throughout the nation.
A Major Public Health Milestone
Cervical cancer is predominantly caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of the Human Papillomavirus — especially types 16 and 18, which together account for more than 80 % of cervical cancer cases globally. Despite being largely preventable with vaccination, the disease remains prevalent in India, where tens of thousands of women are diagnosed each year.
Recognising the urgent need for preventive action, the Government of India has now rolled out this nationwide vaccination drive, offering the vaccine free of cost at designated government health facilities. The vaccine used — Gardasil-4 — is a quadrivalent HPV vaccine that not only protects against the high-risk cancer-causing HPV types 16 and 18, but also against HPV types 6 and 11, responsible for genital warts.
Speaking at the launch in Ajmer, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening preventive healthcare and ensuring the long-term well-being of girls and women across the country. He underlined that this effort represents a proactive step toward reducing the burden of a preventable cancer and empowering India’s young population with better health.
How the Campaign Will Work
The nationwide HPV vaccination programme has been meticulously planned in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and state health departments. Under the campaign:
- Girls aged 14 years will be targeted annually across all States and Union Territories.
- Vaccination is voluntary, and parental or guardian consent is required before any dose is administered.
- The vaccine will be delivered free of cost at government healthcare facilities — including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (primary health centres), community health centres, sub-district and district hospitals, and government medical colleges and hospitals.
- The special drive is being conducted in a three-month mission mode to maximise coverage, after which vaccines will continue to be available on routine immunisation days.
- Adequate supplies and cold-chain infrastructure have been arranged to ensure safe and uninterrupted delivery across remote and urban areas alike.
During the launch event, several girls received their first HPV dose, symbolising the beginning of what many health experts believe will be a game-changer in cancer prevention across the country.
Widespread Support and Medical Backing
The initiative has received strong backing from the medical community. Organisations such as the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) have welcomed the campaign, offering support in training healthcare professionals and raising awareness about HPV vaccination as a preventive tool.
In cities like Ahmedabad, local medical associations have pledged to support HPV vaccination efforts and encourage participation among families, underscoring the campaign’s importance in the broader public health context.
State governments are also mobilising their resources. For instance, Andhra Pradesh’s government has launched statewide HPV vaccine initiatives aimed at protecting girls from cervical cancer, mirroring the national strategy and facilitating last-mile implementation.
A Broader Focus on Women’s Health
India’s HPV vaccination drive is not merely a standalone health programme — it fits into a larger vision of enhancing women’s health and preventive care. By targeting a disease that affects women disproportionately and often silently, the government hopes to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer significantly over the coming years.
Public health experts stress that early immunisation before exposure to HPV dramatically reduces the risk of cervical cancer later in life. With the vaccine now available free nationwide, barriers such as cost and access — long obstacles for many families — are being effectively addressed.
The government has also incorporated digital tracking for the programme, ensuring that vaccination data is logged securely and that safety monitoring systems are in place to manage even rare adverse events post-vaccination.
Looking Ahead — Long-Term Impact
The launch of the HPV vaccination drive marks a significant public health milestone for India. With more than 1 crore eligible girls annually, the programme has the potential to drastically reduce cervical cancer rates — a disease that, until now, contributed heavily to female mortality in India.
Experts believe the success of this initiative will not only improve individual health outcomes but also bolster national healthcare metrics, reducing long-term treatment costs and improving quality of life across communities.
While this initiative will take time to show measurable impact at the population level, its early implementation represents confidence in India’s preventive healthcare framework and its commitment to women’s empowerment through better health infrastructure and disease prevention.
Conclusion
The nationwide HPV vaccination drive launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Ajmer is more than a health campaign — it is a visionary step toward a healthier future for India’s women. By making HPV vaccination free, accessible, and widespread, India moves closer to significantly reducing the burden of cervical cancer — one of the most preventable but historically challenging diseases to tackle.
This initiative is poised to protect generations of young girls and stands as a testament to the government’s resolve to strengthen preventive healthcare and enhance the well-being of the nation’s daughters.
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