NEW DELHI – In a historic leap for women’s public health, India is set to launch its first nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign on February 28, targeting approximately 1.2 crore adolescent girls. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the drive from Ajmer, Rajasthan, signaling a decisive shift in the country's strategy from managing advanced malignancies to systemic prevention. The program offers the vaccine free of cost at government facilities, directly addressing a disease that remains the second most common cancer among Indian women, claiming nearly 80,000 lives annually.

The initiative centers on a single-dose regimen of Gardasil 4, a quadrivalent vaccine that provides robust protection against HPV types 16 and 18—responsible for over 80% of cervical cancer cases in India—as well as types 6 and 11, which cause genital warts. By targeting girls aged 14, the Ministry of Health aims to administer the vaccine well before potential exposure to the virus, maximizing its preventive efficacy. While the vaccine can cost upwards of ₹4,000 in the private sector, the government has secured millions of doses through a partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, ensuring that socio-economic barriers do not hinder access to life-saving care.

Addressing localized concerns and social media skepticism regarding vaccine safety, health officials and experts have reinforced the shot’s proven global track record. Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has hailed the rollout as a vital intervention, noting that the single-shot strategy is backed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and years of rigorous scientific evidence. To bolster public trust, the government has mandated parental consent for every dose and established a 24/7 medical support network at all vaccination sites—including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and district hospitals—to monitor and manage any rare adverse events.

This mission-mode campaign, which will run intensively for the next 90 days before being integrated into the routine immunization schedule, marks a pivotal moment in India's quest to meet the WHO’s global target of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030. By placing a "free shield" in the hands of the public, India is not only reducing the future burden on its healthcare infrastructure but is also safeguarding the health and dignity of its next generation of women.