Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s launch of the HPV vaccination drive from Ajmer signals a new era in India’s battle against cervical cancer. Aimed at eligible teenage girls, the program administers vaccines to prevent human papillomavirus infections, drastically reducing future cancer risks.
Rajasthan wasted no time, conducting 188 sessions on the inaugural day with 1,000 health centers primed for action. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma called on parents to participate actively, positioning the drive as a cornerstone for women’s health empowerment.
According to Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar, the vaccine—Gardasil-4 in 0.5 ml dosage—targets girls who have turned 14 but not yet 15, given as a single intramuscular injection per health ministry guidelines. In India, where cervical cancer is the second leading cancer for women, this intervention is game-changing.
Over 832,000 girls stand eligible in the state, as noted by Chief Secretary (Health) Gayatri Rathore. National Health Mission’s Dr. Amit Yadav confirmed that only facilities with robust cold chains, trained staff, and digital connectivity were selected. Trained teams, including ASHA workers and verifiers, ensure seamless execution at every vaccination point.
Health officials describe this as a transformative effort to build a stronger preventive shield, protecting adolescent girls and paving the way for a healthier Rajasthan.