Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign aimed at preventing cervical cancer among girls aged 14 years, describing the initiative as a major step towards safeguarding the health and well-being of the country's daughters.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the programme during his visit to Rajasthan's Ajmer, reiterating the government's commitment to strengthening women's healthcare through preventive measures.
Ahead of the launch, PM Modi said the government was focused on ensuring better health outcomes for girls across the country.
In a post on X cited, the Prime Minister mentioned, "We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the daughters of the country are healthy and prosperous."
He added that the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign was being launched to prevent cervical cancer.
As per an official release, the campaign marks a decisive move in India's public health journey and aligns with the government's vision of "Swastha Nari", which emphasises prevention, protection and equity in women's healthcare.
The programme will target approximately 1.15 crore girls aged 14 years every year across all States and Union Territories.
The vaccine will be provided free of cost at designated government health facilities, the official statement mentioned.
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) said the initiative represents a significant milestone in advancing preventive healthcare and strengthening women's well-being nationwide.
PM Narendra Modi tweets, "From Ajmer today, the national HPV Vaccination Campaign Against Cervical Cancer has been launched. Manisha Rawat from Ajmer became the first person to be vaccinated as a part of this campaign. This is a major initiative to improve women’s health" pic.twitter.com/LNfTV1mpem
— IANS (@ians_india) February 28, 2026
The campaign specifically aims to prevent cervical cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity among women.
According to details shared in the release, vaccination sessions will be conducted at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Primary Health Centres), Community Health Centres, Sub-District and District Hospitals, as well as Government Medical Colleges and Hospitals.
Each vaccination session will be supervised by trained medical officers supported by healthcare teams. Functional Cold Chain Points have been established at all sites to ensure safe vaccine storage and delivery.
The facilities will also be linked to 24×7 government health centres to provide immediate medical support and manage any rare Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI), the release stated.
#WATCH | Ajmer, Rajasthan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Programme for girls aged 14 years
— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2026
The programme will target approximately 1.15 crore girls aged 14 years every year across all States and Union Territories. The… pic.twitter.com/bepCZ6Cj5h
The vaccination programme will remain voluntary, and informed consent from parents or guardians will be obtained before administration.
According to the release, the Prime Minister's visit to Ajmer also included the launch, inauguration and foundation laying of multiple development projects worth over Rs 16,680 crore across sectors such as urban development, drinking water supply, roads, irrigation, energy and industrial infrastructure.
(With inputs from IANS)
