PM Modi Launches Nationwide HPV Vaccination Programme to Combat Cervical Cancer

Описание: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Programme from Ajmer, marking a major step in India’s fight against cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine protects against cervical cancer and will now be rolled out across the country in a mission-mode campaign.

The programme will target 1.15 crore 14-year-old girls every year under a single-dose regimen. The vaccine will be provided free of cost at designated government health facilities, with parental consent mandatory before administration, and the special drive will run for three months before continuing on routine immunisation days.

Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in India, with over 1.2 lakh new cases and nearly 80,000 deaths annually. Nearly all cases are caused by high-risk HPV types, especially 16 and 18.
India’s national programme will use Gardasil, which protects against HPV types 16 and 18, as well as 6 and 11. The Centre has secured vaccine supplies in partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance to ensure quality and uninterrupted availability.

With this rollout, India joins over 160 countries that have introduced HPV vaccination into their national immunisation schedules, a significant milestone for preventive healthcare and women’s health in the country.

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