Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign on February 28, aimed at preventing cervical cancer in India. The campaign will provide free vaccinations to 14-year-old girls at government health centres, a significant step towards reducing the burden of cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India.

The launch event will take place at 11:30 AM from Ajmer, with the participation of Chief Ministers, administrators, and health officials from all States and Union Territories, who will join the programme virtually. The government aims to protect adolescent girls by providing a single-dose Gardasil-4 vaccine, available at various health facilities across the country, including Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, and Government Medical Colleges.

To ensure proper vaccine storage and management, health facilities have been equipped with Cold Chain Points, and medical officers will monitor any adverse events following immunization (AEFI). The vaccine administration is voluntary, but written consent from parents or guardians is mandatory. The vaccination drive will span three months, after which the HPV vaccine will be available on routine immunisation days. The government hopes that this initiative will significantly reduce the future burden of cervical cancer in India, marking a crucial step in the country’s preventive healthcare efforts.