Nationwide HPV Vaccination Campaign Launched to Prevent Cervical Cancer

The Government of India has launched a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign aimed at protecting adolescent girls from cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in the country. The campaign primarily targets girls aged 14 years and is being implemented through government health centres and digital platforms such as the U-WIN portal to ensure efficient tracking and delivery.

HPV is a common viral infection transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, and persistent infection is responsible for nearly 85% of cervical cancer cases. Cervical cancer is currently the second most common cancer among Indian women, making early prevention through vaccination a critical public health priority.

The campaign is part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen preventive healthcare and expand the national immunisation programme. By vaccinating adolescent girls before potential exposure to the virus, the initiative aims to significantly reduce future cervical cancer incidence and mortality.

The programme also reflects India’s growing focus on women’s health, digital health infrastructure, and early disease prevention. Successful implementation of the HPV vaccination drive will help reduce the long-term healthcare burden, improve quality of life, and contribute to achieving national and global health targets related to cancer prevention and public health.