India launches nationwide HPV vaccination drive to combat cervical cancer

In a major public health milestone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Programme aimed at preventing cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among women in India. The national rollout was inaugurated from Ajmer, Rajasthan, with simultaneous launch events held across all States and Union Territories.

Under the programme, approximately 1.15 crore girls aged 14 years will receive the HPV vaccine free of cost at government health facilities. Girls who turn 15 within 90 days of the launch are also eligible under a special intensive campaign that will run for three months to ensure maximum coverage. After this focused drive, the vaccine will continue as part of the routine immunisation schedule.

Tackling a Major Public Health Burden

Cervical cancer remains a significant health challenge in India and globally. According to GLOBOCAN 2022 data, India records over 1.2 lakh new cases and nearly 80,000 deaths annually, accounting for nearly 25% of global cervical cancer deaths. One in five women worldwide suffering from cervical cancer is from India.

Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women, with about 6.6 lakh new cases and 3.5 lakh deaths reported in 2022. The disease is caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), particularly types 16 and 18, which are responsible for more than 80% of cervical cancer cases in India.

Health experts note that cervical cancer disproportionately affects younger women, and a significant proportion of children who lose their mothers to cancer do so because of cervical cancer. Crucially, it is one of the few cancers that can be effectively prevented through timely vaccination.

About the Vaccine: Gardasil-4

The national programme will administer Gardasil-4, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine that protects against HPV types 16 and 18 (linked to cervical cancer) and types 6 and 11 (which cause other HPV-related conditions).

The vaccine has been approved by India’s drug regulator and adheres to strict quality and cold-chain standards. It offers 93–100% effectiveness against the HPV types it targets when administered before exposure to the virus — hence the focus on vaccinating girls at the age of 14, prior to the onset of sexual activity.

India has partnered with GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, to ensure transparent procurement and uninterrupted supply. In 2023, GAVI and the Government of India entered into a three-year partnership with funding support of US$250 million to strengthen immunisation systems and introduce vaccines such as HPV and Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) into the national schedule.

Vaccination Process and Safety Protocols

Vaccination will be conducted exclusively at government health facilities equipped with functional Cold Chain Points (CCPs), internet connectivity, and trained medical officers for managing Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI).

Sessions will generally run from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, including on weekends and public holidays where necessary. Each vaccination site will be linked to the nearest 24×7 government health facility for emergency support.

Authorities have issued key guidelines:

Girls should not receive the vaccine on an empty stomach.

Each beneficiary will be observed for 30 minutes post-vaccination.

The left index finger will be marked during the three-month campaign to prevent duplication.

The vaccine will not be administered to girls who are pregnant, suffering from moderate or severe illness, have a known yeast allergy, have had prior allergic reactions to vaccines, fall outside the 14-year target age group, or have previously received any HPV vaccine.

Digital Tracking and Certification

The vaccination drive will be digitally monitored to enhance transparency and efficiency. Beneficiaries can self-register on the U-WIN platform, register through health workers, or opt for on-site registration.

Vaccine stock and logistics will be tracked through the Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN). Digital vaccination certificates, including details of the nearest 24×7 AEFI facility and helpline numbers, will be available for download, with hard copies provided upon request.

India Joins Global Elimination Effort

With this launch, India joins more than 160 countries that have incorporated HPV vaccination into their national immunisation programmes. Over 90 countries have adopted a single-dose schedule to improve accessibility and affordability.

Global modelling studies suggest that achieving the elimination target could prevent 74 million new cases and 62 million deaths from cervical cancer worldwide by 2120.

The government has described the programme as a step toward the vision of “Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar”, placing prevention, protection, and equity at the centre of women’s healthcare.

Public health experts say the success of the campaign will depend on widespread awareness, community engagement, and sustained immunisation coverage. If effectively implemented, the programme has the potential to dramatically reduce the burden of cervical cancer in India over the coming decades.