Gujarat is stepping up its fight against cervical cancer with an ambitious vaccination program for 5.5 million teenage girls. Launched from Ahmedabad, the state-wide HPV immunization effort builds on the national rollout inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on February 28 in Rajasthan.
The ceremonial start in Gujarat took place at Sola Civil Hospital, led by CM Bhupendra Patel alongside Health Minister Prful Pansheriya. Focused on 14-year-olds, the campaign tackles a disease that strikes Indian women relentlessly—diagnoses every 4 minutes 12 seconds, deaths every 7 minutes.
Cervical cancer claims 17.7% of female cancer cases in India, often diagnosed late in stages two or three. It remains a top mortality cause for women between 30 and 69. Last year’s national toll: 127,526 new cases, 79,906 lives lost. Gujarat contributed 4,928 cases and 1,781 deaths.
GCRI specialists reassure the public: HPV vaccines are safe, debunking misinformation. They target HPV strains 16 and 18, culprits behind the majority of cervical cancers, offering proven protection.
As Gujarat rolls out this massive drive, it signals a new era in preventive healthcare, empowering girls with lifelong defense against a preventable killer and easing the burden on families and hospitals alike.