NEW DELHI: India’s National HPV Vaccination Campaign has crossed a major public health milestone, with the administration of more than 80 lakh doses of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2026, the nationwide drive provides voluntary, free-of-cost, single-dose HPV vaccinations to 14-year-old girls at government health facilities with parental consent.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the milestone marks a massive stride forward in strengthening preventive healthcare and curbing HPV-associated cancers, particularly cervical cancer, which remains one of the most common threats to women's health.

Uttar Pradesh Emerges as Top Performer

Among all states and Union Territories, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the leading performer, vaccinating over 22 lakh adolescent girls. Given its vast population and the logistical challenge of reaching beneficiaries across densely populated urban centers and remote rural pockets, this achievement highlights meticulous district-level planning and the robust deployment of existing public health networks.

Government data indicates that four states—Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Mizoram—have successfully achieved 100 percent coverage of their identified target cohorts. Meanwhile, states like Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam have crossed the 90 percent threshold, and Karnataka has vaccinated over 85 percent of its target group.

Rigorous Safety and Digital Tracking

To ensure absolute safety, the Ministry noted that all vaccination sessions are conducted under strict medical supervision. Government health facilities have established round-the-clock (24x7) arrangements to promptly manage any rare Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI).

The rollout is closely tracked via the U-WIN digital platform, allowing health authorities to monitor progress dynamically as the campaign enters its subsequent phases. Officials emphasized that extensive community mobilization, coupled with active awareness campaigns supported by pediatricians, gynecologists, and premier medical institutions like AIIMS, played a critical role in tackling hesitancy and securing parental consent.

With the drive picking up impressive momentum nationwide, health authorities are now shifting their immediate focus toward tracking down and immunizing remaining eligible beneficiaries to secure a cancer-free future for the country's younger generation.