Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally launch India’s nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive for 14-year-old girls on February 28 from Ajmer, Rajasthan, marking a major step in the country’s efforts to eliminate preventable cervical cancer.
The campaign will administer a single dose of Gardasil 4, a quadrivalent vaccine that protects against HPV types 16 and 18 responsible for most cervical cancer cases as well as types 6 and 11.
In a February 25 communication to all states and Union Territories, the Union Health Ministry confirmed that the national rollout is tentatively scheduled for 11:30 am on February 28, with the Prime Minister launching the initiative from Ajmer. The letter, issued by Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director (NHM), stated that all states and UTs will join the event virtually through coordination with local NIC units. Chief ministers, administrators, state health ministers and senior health officials are expected to participate from their respective headquarters.
The ministry highlighted cervical cancer as a significant public health challenge in India and globally, noting that it is caused by HPV and is the only cancer that can be effectively prevented through vaccination.
Under the programme, all eligible 14-year-old girls will receive the vaccine free of cost at government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandir-Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, sub-district and district hospitals, as well as government medical colleges and hospitals. Each vaccination site will have a cold chain point and a designated medical officer to manage any adverse events following immunisation (AEFI).
The vaccination drive will remain voluntary, and parental or guardian consent will be mandatory prior to administering the dose. The campaign will run for three months, during which the vaccine will be available daily to maximise coverage. After this period, HPV vaccination will continue to be offered on routine immunisation days at the same facilities.
The ministry has already trained officials from all states and UTs, and adequate vaccine doses aligned with each state’s target cohort have been supplied. Following the national launch in Ajmer, states and UTs will hold their own launch events the same day, ensuring the availability of sufficient vaccine stock and necessary logistical arrangements at designated vaccination sites.
