India has reached a noteworthy achievement in its fight against cervical cancer, having administered more than 80 lakh (8 million) doses of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine through the National HPV Vaccination Campaign since its initiation in February 2026. A recent press release highlighted that this milestone showcases the growing accessibility of HPV vaccinations within the public health system and underscores India’s dedication to enhancing preventive healthcare for adolescent girls.

Campaign Overview and Objective

Launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the National HPV Vaccination Campaign offers free, voluntary single-dose HPV vaccinations to girls aged 14, with the requirement of parental consent, at government health facilities. Based on the 2021 estimates from the Registrar General of India (RGI), around 1.2 crore girls fall into the annual cohort of 14-year-olds who are set to benefit from this initiative each year.

Progress Across States

The press release noted that various States and Union Territories have made considerable strides in enhancing HPV vaccination coverage, with several states achieving full coverage of their designated target groups. Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Mizoram have successfully reached 100 percent coverage for their identified populations. Additionally, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam have surpassed 90 percent coverage, while Karnataka has exceeded 85 percent. States like Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, Kerala, Telangana, and Odisha have also achieved over 60 percent coverage.

Uttar Pradesh Leads in Vaccination Numbers

Among the states, Uttar Pradesh has recorded the highest vaccination figures, with more than 22 lakh adolescent girls receiving the vaccine through the campaign. (ANI)