India Launches HPV Vaccination Campaign for 12 Million Girls
On 28 February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign as part of India's Universal Immunization Programme. The campaign aims to vaccinate 12 million girls annually, targeting those aged 14. India reports 120,000 new cervical cancer cases and 80,000 deaths each year, accounting for 25% of global cervical cancer fatalities. The initiative will leverage digital platforms and the country's extensive primary health network to deliver vaccines proven effective in preventing HPV infection.
Published 18 hours ago • 06 Mar 2026, 11:21 AM IST