India's HPV Vaccination Drive

• 25 Feb 2026

Source: TH

Why in News?

India is all set to launch the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination nationwide, aimed at eliminating cervical cancer, one of the most common yet preventable cancers affecting women in India.

What are the Key Facts Regarding the HPV Vaccination Drive?

• Target Group & Coverage: It will target girls aged 14 years and will be voluntary and free of cost, conducted at designated government health facilities like Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and District Hospitals.
  • The vaccine reduces cervical cancer risk by over 85% when administered in teenage years.
• Vaccine Details: It will initially use MSD's Gardasil (US-based), a quadrivalent vaccine that protects against HPV types 16 and 18 (which cause cervical cancer) and types 6 and 11. 
  • The government has adopted a single-dose HPV regimen, as recommended by the WHO, with an optional delayed second dose available after 3 to 5 years.
  • The indigenous vaccine (Cervavac) is not yet WHO-approved for the programme. 
• Scientific Efficacy & Safety: The vaccine is non-live (does not cause HPV infection) and has a strong safety record with over 500 million doses administered globally since 2006. 
  • Studies show HPV vaccines are 93–100% effective in preventing cervical cancer caused by various HPV types. 
• Procurement & Implementation: Under India’s partnership with GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, Gardasil vaccines, approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and widely used internationally, have been made available for the national programme.
  • India's apex immunisation body, the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI), had recommended the vaccine's introduction. The Union Budget 2024 speech encouraged vaccination for girls aged 9-14 years for cervical cancer prevention.
• Campaign Strategy: Unlike routine immunisation under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), the HPV drive will be conducted as a special campaign on designated immunisation days and tracked through the U-WIN digital platform to ensure rapid coverage.

What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

• About: HPV is a group of more than 200 related, non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses belonging to the Papillomaviridae family that primarily infect epithelial cells on the skin and mucous membranes.
  • Most infections are asymptomatic and resolve spontaneously, with approximately 90% clearing within one to two years through the body's immune response.
• Classification of HPV Types: HPV types are classified into two main categories:
  • Low-risk types (e.g., HPV 6 and 11): These primarily cause benign conditions such as genital warts or common skin warts.
  • High-risk types (e.g., HPV 16 and 18): These are oncogenic and responsible for the majority of HPV-related cancers.
• Disease Burden: Cervical cancer is the 2nd most common cancer among women in India, with nearly 80,000 new cases and over 42,000 deaths reported annually. Persistent HPV infection causes nearly 85% of all cervical cancers, with types 16 and 18 accounting for over 80% of cases in India.
• Transmission: Transmission occurs mainly through intimate skin-to-skin contact, most commonly during sexual activity (vaginal, anal, or oral). It is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide.
• Prevention Strategy: Vaccination is the best way to prevent HPV infection and related cancers. The primary target is all girls aged 9–14 years, before they become sexually active. The vaccine may be given as 1 or 2 doses. Additional prevention methods include condom use, voluntary male circumcision, and smoking cessation.
• WHO Elimination Targets (WHA 73.2): The Global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer sets three key targets by 2030:
  • 90% of girls fully vaccinated with HPV vaccine by age 15.
  • 70% of women screened with a high-performance test by age 35 and again by 45.
  • 90% of women identified with cervical disease receive treatment and care.
• WHO Response Framework: Preventing HPV-related cancers is a key goal of the WHO's global health strategy for 2022–2030, which addresses HIV, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections. Additionally, a 2021 WHO resolution on oral health includes measures to combat mouth and throat cancers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the primary objective of India’s HPV vaccination programme?

To eliminate cervical cancer by providing free, voluntary vaccination to girls aged 9–14 years, primarily targeting HPV types 16 and 18.

2. Which vaccine is being used in the national HPV drive?

India is using Gardasil, a quadrivalent vaccine protecting against HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18.

3. What are WHO’s cervical cancer elimination targets?

The World Health Organization aims for 90% vaccination, 70% screening, and 90% treatment coverage by 2030.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Q. ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to (2016)

(a)  immunization of children and pregnant women 

(b)  construction of smart cities across the country 

(c) India’s own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space 

(d) New Educational Policy 

Ans: (a)