Prime Minister Modi Launches the HPV Vaccination Program!

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched a nationwide HPV vaccination program in Ajmer, Rajasthan, targeting girls under 14 to prevent cervical cancer. Named Swastha Nari, the scheme aims to promote women’s health and provide protection and equality in healthcare.

The program plans to vaccinate around 11.5 million 14-year-old girls across India annually. The vaccine will be available free of cost at government health centers, Ayushman Bharat hospitals, and community health centers. Vaccination is entirely voluntary, with informed consent required from parents or guardians before administration. The initial three months will operate in “mission mode,” after which it will continue as part of the routine immunization schedule.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women, with over 120,000 new cases and nearly 80,000 deaths each year, according to GLOBOCAN 2022. The program will use the Gardasil quadrivalent HPV vaccine, which has been scientifically proven to be almost 100% effective in preventing cervical cancer. With this initiative, India joins over 160 countries implementing HPV vaccination.