The government is set to roll out the free nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Drive for 14-Year-Old Girls from tomorrow. The Prime Minister will launch the programme for girls aged 14 years tomorrow at 11:30 AM from Ajmer, Rajasthan. V.M. Katoch, former Director General (DG) of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and former Health Research Secretary from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, lauded the nationwide rollout of HPV vaccination as a landmark moment in India’s public health journey. The inclusion of HPV vaccine in the immunisation programme would significantly strengthen efforts to combat cervical cancer.
HPV infection is a major cause of cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India. If detected at an early stage, the cervical cancer is preventable and vaccination is the most effective available tool. As per a report, more than 160 countries have already adopted HPV vaccination as a part of their national immunisation programme. With the rollout of this programme, the vaccine will reach the most vulnerable sections of scoiety as well. The programme aims to target around 1.15 crore girls aged 14 years every year across India. The HPV vaccine will be provided free of cost at designated government facilities. Trained medical officers will supervise each session, supported by skilled healthcare teams.
