India is taking a major step in women’s health with a nationwide programme offering free HPV vaccinations to 14-year-old girls. Scheduled to begin later this month, the initiative aims to protect adolescents from cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in the country.
The programme provides a single dose of the Gardasil vaccine, which protects against four HPV strains, including types 16 and 18, responsible for most cervical cancer cases, as well as types 6 and 11. Vaccinations will be available at government health centres, hospitals, and medical colleges, and participation is completely voluntary. Families can also book slots through the U-WIN digital portal, simplifying access and registration.
Health experts say vaccinating girls at this age ensures protection well before potential exposure to the virus, significantly lowering future risk. The government plans to reach as many eligible girls as possible through an initial 90-day high-intensity drive. Vaccine doses have already been distributed to all states and Union Territories with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
Officials emphasise that the programme is safe, with trained medical officers supervising each session and systems in place to handle rare side effects. By adding HPV vaccination to the national immunisation schedule, India joins over 160 countries taking proactive measures against cervical cancer.
This initiative represents a major stride in safeguarding adolescent girls’ health and reflects India’s commitment to global public health goals, giving families a simple yet powerful tool to protect the next generation.
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