Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched India’s nationwide HPV vaccination drive against cervical cancer on February 28, 2026, from Ajmer, Rajasthan, marking a landmark women’s health initiative.
Campaign Launch Details
Manisha Rawat from Ajmer received the first Gardasil 4 dose, targeting 14-year-old girls with single-shot protection against HPV types 16/18 (90% cervical cancers) and 6/11 (genital warts). All states joined virtually; states held local launches same day.
Public Health Impact
Cervical cancer kills 75,000 Indian women yearly—vaccine-preventable via school-based immunization. PM called it “Nari Shakti empowerment,” alongside ₹16,680 crore development projects and 21,000 youth appointments.
