In a major public health initiative, the Government of India will soon begin afree, voluntary Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drivefor14‑year‑old girlsacross the country, with the first phase implemented as a high‑intensity90‑day mega campaign. Under this programme, eligible adolescent girls can receive asingle dose of the quadrivalent Gardasil vaccine (Gardasil‑4)at designated government health facilities at no cost — a move designed to slash cervical cancer incidence over the coming decades.
The HPV vaccine protects against multiple strains of the virus, including types16 and 18, which together cause the majority of cervical cancer cases in India, as well as low‑risk strains that contribute to genital warts. Officials say this drive will reach roughly1.15 crore girlsturning 14 each year, with vaccine supplies already distributed to states and Union Territories in preparation for launch, expected in thefirst week of March. Appointment booking will be facilitated through theU‑WIN portal, leveraging digital tools to ensure efficient coverage.
Public health experts and authorities are emphasising that early immunisation — ideally before potential exposure to HPV — offersstrong and long‑lasting protectionagainst cervical cancer and other HPV‑related diseases. The campaign reflects a strategic step in India’s broader efforts to eliminate this largely preventable cancer, which remains one of the most common and deadly cancers affecting women in the country.