India Launches HPV Vaccination Drives to Prevent Cervical Cancer on Women's Day

On International Women's Day 2026, India launched HPV vaccination programs targeting girls aged 9 to 14 to prevent cervical cancer, a leading cause of female mortality in the country. Prime Minister Modi initiated a nationwide campaign emphasizing women's health as vital for national progress, while Maharashtra's state drive aims to vaccinate nearly 9.8 lakh girls and introduced 'Pink OPDs' for women's healthcare. Both initiatives focus on early prevention, especially in vulnerable rural and socio-economically disadvantaged populations.