HPV vaccinations in India cross 80 lakh mark: Health Ministry

NEW DELHI: India has crossed the milestone of 80 lakh human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations, marking a significant step towards strengthening preventive healthcare and protecting girls and women from HPV infection and related cancers, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday.

The nationwide HPV vaccination campaign launched on February 28 to vaccinate girls aged 14 years. The ministry said the HPV vaccine is an important tool in preventing cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers affecting women.

Under the campaign, the single-dose Gardasil-4 vaccine is being administered free of cost at government health facilities across the country.

These include Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, primary health centres (PHCs), and community health centres (CHCs), sub-district and district hospitals, and government medical colleges.

The ministry said the vaccination drive is aimed at expanding access to preventive healthcare and reducing the burden of HPV-related diseases, particularly cervical cancer.

Crossing 80 lakh vaccinations represents a major achievement in the implementation of the nationwide programme and reflects the government’s focus on strengthening cancer prevention through vaccination and early intervention.