In a major public health move, theIndian governmentis on the verge of launching anationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programmeaimed at preventing cervical cancer — one of the most common cancers affecting women in the country. According to official sources, the programme will focus on vaccinating girls around14 years of agewith the quadrivalentGardasil vaccine, which protects against the HPV strains responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases.
The initiative, supported by partners such asGavi, the Vaccine Alliance, will befree of cost and voluntary, and vaccinations will be administered at designated government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, community and district hospitals, and government medical colleges. Sessions will be overseen by trained medical officers to ensure safety and appropriate post-vaccination care.
Experts highlight thatvaccinating girls before they are exposed to HPV— particularly between ages 9 and 14 — offers the most effective protection against future development of cervical cancer. This proactive approach aligns withWorld Health Organization (WHO)recommendations and India’s broader“Swastha Nari”mission to improve women’s health and reduce preventable diseases.
The government is appealing to parents and guardians nationwide to ensure eligible girls receive the vaccine once the programme begins. With cervical cancer claiming tens of thousands of lives in India annually, officials believe this national rollout could be agame-changerin reducing both incidence and mortality from the disease in years ahead.
