Ajmer, Rajasthan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign against cervical cancer from Ajmer, Rajasthan.
Marking the beginning of the national drive, five girls were administered the HPV vaccine at the event. The ambitious programme aims to vaccinate approximately 1.15 crore 14-year-old girls every year across all states and Union Territories. The vaccine will be provided free of cost at designated government health centres.
Major Step Toward Women’s Health and Empowerment
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said the HPV vaccination campaign is a crucial initiative to strengthen women’s health and empower the nation’s “Nari Shakti.”
“Our government is committed to holistic development. From Ajmer, we have launched the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign along with inaugurating several projects and distributing appointment letters to youth,” the Prime Minister said.
He emphasized that protecting mothers and daughters from preventable diseases is central to building strong families and a resilient society.
Focus on Preventive Healthcare
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare, stating that cervical cancer poses a significant health risk to women, and early vaccination can save countless lives.
He noted that when mothers are healthy, families are stronger and better equipped to face challenges. The campaign is aimed at ensuring long-term health security for young girls and reducing the burden of cervical cancer in India.
Government’s Continued Focus on Women-Centric Schemes
PM Modi also recalled several initiatives launched since 2014 to improve women’s health, dignity, and welfare. These include:
- Construction of toilets under sanitation missions to protect women’s dignity
- Safe motherhood schemes to address maternal malnutrition
- Direct financial support for pregnant women for nutritional needs
- Implementation of the Ujjwala scheme to provide clean cooking fuel
He stated that these initiatives reflect a governance model driven by sensitivity and commitment rather than mere political power.
Strengthening India’s Public Health Infrastructure
The nationwide HPV vaccination drive is expected to significantly contribute to India’s public health goals by reducing cervical cancer incidence through early immunization.
With a target of vaccinating over one crore adolescent girls annually, the campaign marks one of the largest preventive healthcare initiatives focused on women’s health in the country.
