India to launch HPV vax drive for 14-year-old girls this month
Times of India
by ANUJA JAISWALFebruary 25, 2026
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India is set to launch a nationwide HPV vaccination drive later this month, targeting 14-year-old girls across the country. The initiative aims to prevent cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer among Indian women, responsible for nearly 80,000 new cases and over 42,000 deaths annually. Under this program, eligible girls will receive the Gardasil vaccine, which protects against HPV types 16, 18, 6, and 11, at no cost through government health facilities. The vaccination will be voluntary, with annual coverage targeting around 1.2 crore adolescents.
The campaign marks a significant step in India’s efforts to combat cervical cancer. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types, particularly 16 and 18, accounts for more than 80% of cervical cancer cases. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has championed this cause, emphasizing the importance of vaccination, early screening, and affordable treatment. Unlike routine immunization programs, this drive will be conducted as a special campaign on designated days, with coverage tracked through the U-WIN digital platform.
The HPV vaccination is critical because it provides protection before potential exposure to HPV, which can occur through sexual contact. According to experts, such as Dr. Abhishek Shankar from AIIMS and Dr. Pragya Shukla of the Delhi State Cancer Institute, vaccination before sexual debut is essential for preventing the
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/25/2026