HPV Vaccination: ‘Swastha Nari’ Mission: Center launches nationwide HPV vaccination drive to fight cervical cancer | India News

New Delhi: The government will launch a nationwide human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive for girls aged 14 and above and provide free Gardasil vaccine as part of a major drive to curb cervical cancer, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported quoting official sources.The voluntary program, which will be implemented across the country in the coming weeks, aims to expand equitable access to life-saving immunizations and strengthen India’s fight against one of the most common cancers affecting women.Officials said the quadrivalent HPV vaccine administered under the program protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause most cases of cervical cancer, as well as HPV types 6 and 11.Highlighting the scientific backing of the initiative, an official source said, “Strong global and Indian scientific evidence confirms that a single dose provides strong and long-lasting protection in girls in the recommended age group.”Citing strong scientific evidence globally and in India, a senior source noted that a single dose provides “strong and long-lasting protection” within the recommended age group.“Vaccination under the national scheme will be voluntary and free to ensure equitable access to socio-economic groups,” the Press Trust of India reported, citing sources.

What is “Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar” drive?

this ‘Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’ Described as India’s largest ever health outreach initiative for women and children. The nationwide campaign, jointly spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), will be held between September 17 and October 2 Ayushmann Arogiya Templecommunity health centers (CHCs), district hospitals and other government health institutions.The initiative focuses on providing women-centred preventive, promotive and curative health services at the community level. It strengthens screening, early detection and treatment linkages for non-communicable diseases, anemia, tuberculosis and sickle cell disease.At the same time, it promotes maternal, child and adolescent health through antenatal care, immunizations, nutritional support, menstrual hygiene awareness, and lifestyle and mental health interventions.The campaign also seeks to mobilize communities to live healthier lives, with a particular emphasis on obesity prevention, improved nutrition and voluntary blood donation, reinforcing the wider goal of building healthier families by empowering women.