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India Scales Up HPV Vaccination, Screening in Cervical Cancer Elimination Push: Health Minister J.P. Nadda

Health Minister says India is expanding HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening as part of its strategy to reduce disease burden.

• By PharmaNews Live Desk
• New Delhi
• Mar 06, 2026

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Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said on March 5, 2026 that India is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to address cervical cancer through vaccination, screening, early detection and treatment. He made the remarks during a virtual press briefing hosted at the World Health Organization headquarters.

Nadda said, “The health and dignity of women remain a core national priority for India.” He said cervical cancer continues to be a significant public health challenge and that the government’s response is focused on prevention and timely intervention.

HPV vaccination campaign launched on February 28

The government launched a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign on February 28, 2026, targeting 12 million girls aged 14 years during a 90-day drive. The campaign follows a single-dose schedule in line with recommendations cited by the government from the WHO and India’s National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization.

According to the official statement, the vaccine is being provided free of cost through public health facilities, with implementation supported by the U-WIN digital immunisation platform and the Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) for stock and cold-chain monitoring.

Screening expanded under NP-NCD programme

Nadda said population-based screening remains a central part of the strategy. According to the Health Ministry, screening for cervical cancer using Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) is being offered at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and other public health facilities for women aged 30 to 65 years.

He said, “Over 86 million women have already been screened for cervical cancer under the programme.”

India backs WHO’s 90-70-90 target

India has also reiterated support for the WHO’s 90-70-90 target for 2030, which calls for vaccinating 90% of girls against HPV, screening 70% of women, and treating 90% of women identified with cervical disease.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described India’s programme as “the world’s largest free vaccination drive” against HPV, according to the official government statement.

Cervical cancer remains a major public health issue

Cervical cancer remains one of the leading cancers affecting women, and public health agencies continue to identify HPV vaccination, regular screening and timely treatment as the main tools for reducing incidence and deaths. India’s latest measures indicate a sharper policy focus on prevention, but long-term outcomes will depend on sustained coverage, follow-up screening and treatment access.