India Begins Nationwide HPV Vaccination to Prevent Cervical Cancer in Girls

India launched a nationwide HPV vaccination program on February 28, 2026, targeting girls aged 9-14 to prevent cervical cancer, which accounts for over 80,000 cases annually in the country. The campaign uses a single-dose Gardasil vaccine, offering protection against high-risk HPV strains linked to most cervical cancers. Early reports show nearly 300,000 girls vaccinated within two weeks, with Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Odisha, and Mizoram leading coverage. Officials attribute success to growing awareness and emphasize the vaccine's role in long-term cancer prevention.