Narendra Modi Launches Nationwide HPV Vaccination Drive for 14-Year-Old Girls from Ajmer
Ajmer, Rajasthan, February 28, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign aimed at protecting 14-year-old girls from cervical cancer. The initiative was formally inaugurated at a programme held in Kayad, Ajmer, where several girls received the first doses of the vaccine.
During the launch event, the Prime Minister interacted with beneficiaries and highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare and early vaccination in reducing the risk of cervical cancer among women.
According to officials, the campaign will use a single-dose Gardasil 4 vaccine, which provides protection against HPV types 16 and 18 — the primary causes of cervical cancer — as well as types 6 and 11.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in a communication issued to all States on February 25, stated that the vaccine will be administered free of cost to all eligible 14-year-old girls at government health facilities nationwide. These include Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Primary Health Centres), Community Health Centres, sub-district and district hospitals, and government medical colleges.
Officials said the nationwide rollout marks a major step in strengthening India’s efforts to prevent cervical cancer and improve long-term women’s health outcomes.