India to Launch Nationwide Free HPV Vaccination Program for Girls Aged 14

The Indian government is set to launch a nationwide HPV vaccination programme targeting girls aged 14 years to prevent cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among women in India. The campaign will provide a single dose of the quadrivalent Gardasil vaccine free of cost at designated government health facilities. Vaccination will be voluntary and conducted under medical supervision, with systems in place for safety monitoring. The initiative aligns with WHO recommendations and aims to reduce cervical cancer incidence by ensuring equitable access across socio-economic groups.