Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for 14-year-old girls on February 28 from Rajasthan’s Ajmer, marking the formal start of a countrywide drive aimed at preventing cervical cancer.
According to an official letter issued by the Union health ministry on February 25, the launch has been tentatively scheduled for 11.30 am. “The Prime Minister has kindly consented to launch the campaign from Ajmer, Rajasthan,” the communication signed by Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director (NHM), said.
The campaign will administer a single dose of Gardasil 4, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine that protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause cervical cancer, as well as types 6 and 11.
All states and Union territories will join the launch virtually in coordination with local NIC units, with chief ministers, administrators and state health ministers expected to be present at their respective headquarters.
The ministry noted that cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern in India and globally. Caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), it is the only cancer that can be prevented through vaccination.
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“We are committed to encourage vaccination for girls for the prevention of cervical cancer,” the letter said.
Girls aged 14 years will be vaccinated at government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandir-Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, sub-district and district hospitals, and government medical colleges and hospitals. Each facility will have a cold chain point and a designated medical officer to manage adverse events following immunisation (AEFI).
The vaccination is voluntary, and parental or guardian consent is mandatory before administering the dose.
The drive will be conducted over a three-month period, during which the HPV vaccine will be available daily to maximise coverage among eligible girls. Thereafter, it will be administered on routine immunisation days at the same facilities.
Officials from all states and Union territories have already been trained by the Union health ministry, and required vaccine doses corresponding to the target cohort have been supplied.
Following the national launch in Ajmer, states and Union territories will hold their respective launch events the same day, with instructions to establish special vaccination session sites equipped with cold chain facilities and adequate vaccine stock.
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