NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic public health milestone on Saturday by launching the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign for 14-year-old girls from Ajmer, Rajasthan. Targeting a disease that claims one Indian woman’s life every seven minutes, this preventive push underscores India’s commitment to women’s health equity.
Speaking to the audience, Modi positioned the campaign as a cornerstone for “Nari Shakti.” “We all recognize that when a mother becomes ill, the entire household feels scattered and vulnerable. Conversely, a healthy mother empowers her family to confront any crisis with strength. Inspired by this truth, our government has introduced numerous schemes to bolster women,” he elaborated. Modi spotlighted the safe motherhood program, which credits Rs 5,000 directly to expectant mothers’ bank accounts for nutritious food during pregnancy. He framed these as part of a profound shift toward compassionate, dignified women’s healthcare.
CERVICAL CANCER BURDEN IN INDIA
Cervical cancer looms large as India’s second-most common cancer among women, with over 1.2 lakh new diagnoses and around 80,000 deaths each year (WHO GLOBOCAN 2022). Nearly all cases stem from persistent high-risk HPV infections, primarily types 16 and 18. Vaccinating adolescent girls before exposure offers proven, long-term protection.
FREE SINGLE-DOSE VACCINE UNDER NATIONAL PROGRAMME Free access to Gardasil-4 (quadrivalent vaccine charging HPV 6, 11, 16, 18) follows a single-dose regimen, endorsed by WHO and India’s NTAGI based on robust evidence. Studies show 93-100% efficacy against vaccine-type cervical cancer, amplified by herd effects that shield communities.
Globally, 160 of 194 countries include HPV vaccines in national immunization; 90 use single-dose schedules, 80 deploy Gardasil-4—with 61 overlapping both approaches.
TARGET GROUP AND IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
The drive reaches girls who have turned 14 but not 15, an annual cohort of about 1.2 crore (10.11.2021).
Key Features:
- Duration: 90-day campaign mode, transitioning to routine immunization days.
- Facilities: Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Primary/Community Health Centres, sub-district/district hospitals, government medical colleges.
- Protocol: One 0.5 ml intramuscular dose in the left upper arm.
- Enrollment: Free, voluntary, with parental/guardian consent. Pre-book via U-WIN platform or walk-in; digital recording plus offline provisions for remote areas. Nadda appealed to families: “Ensure your daughters get this vaccine—it’s a powerful step toward a cancer-free future.”
Building on India’s immunization successes, this campaign integrates cutting-edge science to prevent suffering and honor women’s vital role.
