Union Health Minister JP Nadda recently commended the measures taken by the government to combat cervical cancer, specifically referencing the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He announced that this campaign would be seamlessly integrated into India’s universal immunisation program. During a press conference on global health issues, which also featured the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Nadda discussed key achievements in cervical cancer screening and prevention.

Screening Initiatives Under Ayushman Bharat

Nadda shared that the Ayushman Bharat initiative has facilitated cervical cancer screening for approximately 86 million women, with services now available at 181,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs nationwide. He emphasized the critical nature of cervical cancer and reiterated the government’s commitment to a multifaceted strategy aimed at reducing its incidence. The Minister set a target for the HPV vaccination campaign, aiming to reach 12 million girls under the age of 14. Following the campaign, the vaccination will continue through government health facilities during routine immunisation sessions.

Launch of the HPV Vaccination Campaign

On February 28, 2026, Prime Minister Modi launched the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign in Ajmer, Rajasthan, marking a key development in the fight against cervical cancer. During the launch, Modi characterized the initiative as essential for empowering women, termed ‘Nari Shakti’, and protecting the health of mothers and daughters across India. He noted that a mother’s health significantly contributes to familial stability and resilience against crises.

Cervical Cancer: A Major Public Health Challenge

The importance of this initiative is underscored by the troubling statistics surrounding cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer among women in India. According to the WHO GLOBOCAN report for 2022, the nation sees over 120,000 new cases and nearly 80,000 related deaths annually. Persistent infections from high-risk types of HPV, particularly types 16 and 18, are recognized as the leading cause of cervical cancer.

Aims and Validation of the Vaccination Campaign

The newly launched HPV vaccination campaign aims to protect girls before any potential exposure to HPV infection, thereby preventing future cases of cervical cancer. The vaccine has been verified as safe and effective, offering long-lasting protection against the HPV strains that account for the majority of cervical cancer cases. This vaccination initiative has received endorsement from global and national health authorities, including the WHO and India’s National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation.

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