PM Modi Launches HPV Vaccination to Protect Girls from Cervical Cancer
In a significant public health push aimed at safeguarding young girls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Feb 28, 2026), launched a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign from Rajasthan.
The initiative seeks to provide free single-dose Gardasil 4 vaccines to nearly 1.15 crore 14-year-old girls every year through government health facilities across the country.
The campaign is designed to combat cervical cancer, one of the most common and deadly cancers affecting women in India. Each year, more than 1.27 lakh women are diagnosed with the disease, and nearly 80,000 lose their lives.
Health experts note that persistent infection with high-risk strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), particularly types 16 and 18, is responsible for the vast majority of cases. The Gardasil 4 vaccine offers protection against HPV types linked to almost 80% of cervical cancer cases in India.
Launching the drive from Ajmer, the Prime Minister described the initiative as a crucial step toward a healthier, cancer-free future for the nation's daughters.
In a post on X, he wrote: "From Ajmer today, the national HPV vaccination campaign against cervical cancer has been launched. Manisha Rawat from Ajmer became the first person to be vaccinated as a part of this campaign. This is a major initiative to improve women's health."
The vaccination programme will be rolled out through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, community health centres, sub-district hospitals, and government medical colleges and hospitals.
Each session will be conducted under the supervision of trained medical officers and supported by dedicated healthcare teams.
To maintain vaccine safety and effectiveness, all vaccination sites will be equipped with functional cold chain points (CCPs). These centres will also be linked to 24/7 government health facilities to ensure immediate response and proper management in the rare event of any adverse reactions following immunisation (AEFI).
The HPV vaccination drive forms part of a broader set of health and infrastructure projects valued at over ₹16,680 crore, reflecting the government's emphasis on preventive healthcare and women's welfare.
With this nationwide rollout, the government aims not only to reduce the burden of cervical cancer but also to send a strong message about prioritising the health and empowerment of the girl child.
The campaign marks a proactive step in shifting focus from treatment to prevention, ensuring that millions of young girls grow up protected against a preventable disease.