Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive for 14-year-old girls from Ajmer, Rajasthan.
The cervical cancer prevention campaign was formally inaugurated at an event in Kayad, Ajmer, where several beneficiaries received the vaccine in the Prime Minister’s presence. He also interacted with the girls during the programme.
Officials said the campaign will administer a single-dose of “Gardasil 4,” a quadrivalent HPV vaccine that protects against HPV types 16 and 18—known to cause cervical cancer—as well as types 6 and 11.
In a communication dated February 25, the Union Health Ministry directed all States to ensure that every 14-year-old girl is given one dose of Gardasil 4 at government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Primary Health Centres), Community Health Centres, sub-district and district hospitals, and government medical colleges and hospitals.