HPV vaccination drive gathers pace as Centre targets adolescent coverage

The government’s push to expand immunisation against cervical cancer is beginning to take shape, with a nationwide rollout of the HPV vaccine aimed at adolescent girls. The programme seeks to cover more than one crore beneficiaries through public health facilities, positioning prevention at the centre of India’s cancer control strategy.

Public health officials indicate that the vaccine is being administered free of cost across government centres, with states tasked with mobilising school-based and community outreach systems to improve uptake. The effort builds on years of pilot projects and expert recommendations that have consistently flagged cervical cancer as a leading cause of mortality among Indian women.

The success of the programme, however, will depend on sustained awareness campaigns and the ability of local health systems to address hesitancy. Past immunisation drives have shown that misinformation and logistical gaps can slow progress, particularly in rural and underserved regions.

If implemented with consistency, the initiative could mark a shift towards preventive healthcare in a system that has traditionally been more responsive than anticipatory. The coming months will test whether scale can be matched with trust and delivery on the ground.