India Administers 80 Lakh HPV Vaccine Doses

Why in News?

India has crossed a significant milestone in its efforts to prevent cervical cancer, with more than 80 lakh (8 million) doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine administered under the National HPV Vaccination Campaign since its launch in February 2026. The campaign strengthens preventive healthcare for adolescent girls through vaccination provided via the public health system.

About National HPV Vaccination Campaign

The National HPV Vaccination Campaign was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2026. Under the campaign, 14-year-old girls are offered voluntary and free-of-cost single-dose HPV vaccination at government health facilities, subject to parental consent.

According to Registrar General of India (RGI) 2021 estimates, approximately 1.2 crore girls constitute the annual cohort of 14-year-olds expected to benefit from the programme each year. Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram have achieved 100% coverage of their respective identified target populations. Uttar Pradesh has recorded the highest number of vaccinations, with more than 22 lakh adolescent girls vaccinated under the campaign.

About Human Papillomavirus

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection. Most sexually active people are infected with HPV at some point in their lives, generally without symptoms.

HPV can affect the skin, genital area and throat. Most infections resolve naturally without treatment, but some HPV infections can cause genital warts, while others can lead to abnormal cellular changes that may eventually develop into cancer.

HPV vaccination can prevent HPV infections that cause several cancers, including cervical cancer, making vaccination an important component of cancer prevention and adolescent health.

Sources: PIB & WHO

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