India Launches National HPV Vaccination Campaign to Prevent Cervical Cancer

Top Summary

• What happened: India launched a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in Ajmer, Rajasthan.
• Why it matters: Cervical cancer claims a life every two minutes globally, with the WHO South-East Asia Region bearing a significant burden.
• What changes: Approximately 1.15 crore girls aged 14 years will be vaccinated annually across all States and Union Territories.
• Who is affected: Adolescent girls in India are the primary beneficiaries, with the potential to impact global cervical cancer rates.

National HPV Vaccination Campaign Launched

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign in Ajmer, Rajasthan. The campaign aims to prevent cervical cancer among adolescent girls.

The vaccine will be provided free of cost at designated Government health facilities.

WHO Lauds India's Commitment

The World Health Organisation (WHO) South-East Asia Region congratulated the Government of India on the national launch.

Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia, hailed it as a landmark step. She noted it reflects India's strong commitment to protecting adolescent girls from cervical cancer.

India’s introduction of HPV vaccination at a national scale will have a far-reaching impact — accelerating progress not only for the country, but for the Region and the world.

Impact on Cervical Cancer Burden

Cervical cancer continues to be a major public health challenge. It claims the life of a woman every two minutes globally.

The WHO South-East Asia Region accounts for nearly one-quarter of the global burden.

Regional Progress in HPV Vaccination

With India's milestone, nine of the ten countries in the Region now include HPV vaccination in their national immunisation programmes.

This signifies growing regional momentum toward eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem.

Government's Commitment to Women's Health

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the government's commitment to the health and prosperity of the country’s daughters.

 

We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the daughters of the country are healthy and prosperous.

 

The nationwide rollout of the HPV vaccination campaign fulfils the Government’s commitment to advancing the vision of “Swastha Nari”. This ensures prevention, protection and equity at the core of women’s healthcare.

WHO Support for Achieving Targets

The WHO remains committed to support Member States. This includes achieving high and equitable coverage of vaccination.

It also includes strengthening screening and treatment services in line with the global 90-70-90 targets for 2030.

• Vaccinating 90% of girls by age 15
• Screening 70% of women by ages 35 and 45
• Ensuring 90% of women with pre-cancer and invasive cancer receive appropriate treatment

What to Watch Next

Monitor the rollout and coverage of the HPV vaccination campaign across different states and union territories. Further assess the long-term impact on cervical cancer incidence rates in India and the broader South-East Asia Region.