India is preparing to launch a nationwide human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign aimed at reducing — and eventually eliminating — cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women in the country. Officials familiar with the development said the programme will focus on prevention through early vaccination and improved public health access.
The initiative is expected to target adolescent girls across socio-economic groups, reflecting a broader shift toward preventive healthcare and alignment with global strategies to combat cervical cancer.
⭐ Quick Reads
- India plans a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign for adolescent girls
- Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among Indian women
- Vaccination aligns with the global elimination strategy led by World Health Organization
- The programme will use the Gardasil vaccine
- Experts say early vaccination can significantly reduce cancer risk
Focus on Early Prevention
According to officials, the campaign will primarily cover girls around 14 years of age and aims to ensure equitable access regardless of economic background. Although not yet formally part of the Universal Immunisation Programme, the effort mirrors international public health frameworks designed to reduce cervical cancer incidence.
India reports nearly 80,000 new cervical cancer cases each year, with more than 42,000 deaths annually. Scientific research shows that persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains — particularly types 16 and 18 — accounts for the vast majority of cases.
Global Momentum and India’s Move
More than 160 countries have already incorporated HPV vaccination into their national health schedules. Since the vaccine’s introduction in 2006, over 500 million doses have been administered globally, demonstrating a strong safety record.
India’s rollout places the country among those expanding preventive care through immunisation. The vaccine used in the programme protects against cancer-causing HPV strains as well as other related conditions, offering broad protection.
Vaccine Strategy and Effectiveness
The campaign will deploy the Gardasil vaccine, developed by Merck & Co., which targets four HPV types. Supplies are being procured through collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, helping ensure affordability and wider reach.
Clinical data indicates the vaccine is highly effective — with protection rates reported between 93% and 100% against cervical cancers caused by the targeted HPV strains.
Following expert recommendations from India’s National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization and global scientific reviews, the country is expected to adopt a single-dose schedule. Evidence reviewed by international advisory bodies suggests one dose can deliver protection comparable to multi-dose regimens, improving coverage and accessibility.
Expert Perspective
“Far too many women come to us when cervical cancer is already advanced and difficult to treat. What makes this disease especially heartbreaking is that it is largely preventable,” said *Dr. Dinesh Pendharkar, director-oncology at Sarvodaya Hospitals.
“A nationwide HPV vaccination programme for young girls is a powerful, practical step toward changing that reality,” said Dr. Pendharkar. “By ensuring free and equitable access, we are investing in prevention, protecting future generations, and moving closer to eliminating cervical cancer in India.”
How the Programme Will Be Implemented
Vaccination sessions are expected to be conducted at designated government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, community health centres, district hospitals and government medical colleges.
Each session will be supervised by trained medical officers and healthcare teams, with continuous monitoring systems in place to handle any rare adverse events. Authorities also plan to maintain strict cold-chain logistics and quality standards to ensure uninterrupted vaccine availability across states and Union territories.
Officials said the procurement process follows internationally supported mechanisms designed to guarantee transparency and safety while expanding nationwide coverage.
Why This Matters
Cervical cancer is considered one of the most preventable cancers when vaccination and screening are implemented early. Public health experts believe that large-scale immunisation can dramatically reduce future disease burden, healthcare costs and mortality.
India’s move reflects a broader shift toward preventive healthcare — focusing not only on treatment but long-term disease elimination.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and media reports, including coverage referenced by Mint. Details about programme timelines, eligibility and rollout may change as official announcements are made. Readers are advised to consult government health authorities or medical professionals for updated guidance on HPV vaccination.
