What happened
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has reported progress in the nationwide human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for eligible 14-year-old girls. The programme is part of the Union Government's wider cervical cancer prevention strategy, which combines vaccination, screening, early diagnosis, and treatment pathways.
The campaign was launched on 28 February 2026 across all 36 States and Union Territories. The government has said the vaccine is being provided free of cost at designated government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, Sub-District Hospitals, District Hospitals, and Government Medical Colleges.
Background and earlier position
Cervical cancer prevention in India has increasingly been framed as a public-health issue that requires both primary prevention and early detection. HPV vaccination addresses the viral cause linked to most cervical cancer cases, while screening and early diagnosis are needed for women who are already at risk or may not have been vaccinated in time.
The use of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs as delivery points shows the role of the primary healthcare network in preventive services. The government's reliance on training, awareness material, and digital coverage tracking indicates that vaccine supply alone is not enough; uptake depends on front-line health workers, community trust, and real-time monitoring.
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