Government of India's Nationwide HPV Vaccination Drive

The Government of India has initiated a nationwide vaccination drive for Human Papillomavirus (HPV), targeting girls aged 14 years with free Gardasil-4 shots at government health facilities.

Significance of HPV Vaccination

• Cervical cancer is the second-most common cancer among Indian women.
• India records nearly 80,000 new cases and over 42,000 deaths annually, contributing to almost 19% of global cases and 23% of deaths.
• Earlier costs of ₹3,000-4,000 per dose in private markets limited access to vaccinations.
• Collaboration with Gavi enables affordable vaccine access, facilitating large-scale rollout.

Integration with Universal Immunisation Programme

• India leverages its extensive experience in mass immunization.
• Improved vaccine delivery systems are supported by robust cold-chain infrastructure and digital tracking tools.
• The U-WIN portal enhances access to vaccination records and scheduling.
• As of December 31, 2025, U-WIN recorded 143.2 million beneficiaries and 609.8 million vaccine doses administered.

Challenges in Eliminating Cervical Cancer

• Low screening coverage: Only about 1.9% of women aged 30-49 years undergo cervical screening.
• Regional disparities in healthcare infrastructure hinder effective implementation.
• Rural areas face personnel shortages and lack of diagnostic facilities.

Awareness and Implementation

• Addressing myths and limited understanding of HPV transmission is crucial.
• Frontline health workers need training in both administration and counselling.

Ensuring Success

• Effective tracking and monitoring of adverse events is essential.
• Continuous training of healthcare workers is necessary.
• Coordination among central, state, and local bodies is vital.

If implemented effectively, the HPV vaccination initiative could exemplify how India's pharmaceutical capacity, digital infrastructure, and public health outreach can address a significant health burden.