Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off India’s first nationwide HPV vaccination program against cervical cancer from the historic city of Ajmer on Saturday. The launch included administering HPV shots to five adolescent girls, symbolizing hope for generations.
Set to cover 11.5 million 14-year-old girls annually across the country, the free vaccine rollout at public health facilities promises to slash cervical cancer rates, a major killer among women.
In his keynote address, PM Modi linked the initiative to broader empowerment goals. He inaugurated multiple development projects and handed over job letters to young professionals, showcasing multifaceted progress.
‘Ajmer marks the beginning of a campaign that strengthens our women’s power,’ Modi declared. He painted a vivid picture of family dynamics, noting how a mother’s health anchors household stability amid adversities.
Reflecting on past neglect, the PM recalled how girls endured indignities from open defecation, leading to school dropouts. ‘What was trivial to others was a profound issue of respect for us,’ he said, praising toilet construction drives that revolutionized sanitation.
Modi highlighted maternal health strides: cash incentives for nutrition during pregnancy and clean cooking fuel via Ujjwala Yojana. These measures, born from empathy rather than authority, have uplifted millions of lives, he affirmed, calling for continued collective effort.