NEW DELHI: The government is set to roll out a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for girls aged 14 and above, offering the Gardasil jab free of cost as part of a major push to curb cervical cancer, according to official sources cited by PTI.The voluntary programme, to be implemented across the country in the coming weeks, aims to expand equitable access to life-saving immunisation and strengthen India’s fight against one of the most common cancers affecting women.Officials said the quadrivalent HPV vaccine to be administered under the programme protects against HPV types 16 and 18 — responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases — as well as types 6 and 11.Emphasising the scientific backing for the initiative, an official source said, “Strong global and Indian scientific evidence confirms that a single dose provides robust and durable protection when administered to girls in the recommended age group.”Citing strong global and Indian scientific evidence, a senior source noted that a single dose administered within the recommended age group provides “robust and durable protection”.“Vaccination under the national programme will be voluntary and free of cost, ensuring equitable access across socio-economic groups,” the PTI reported, citing sources.What is ‘Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar’ drive?The ‘Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’ is described as the largest-ever health outreach initiative for women and children in India. Jointly spearheaded by the Ministry of health & family welfare (MoHFW) and the Ministry of women & child development (MoWCD), the nationwide campaign saw lakhs of health camps organised between 17 September and 2 October at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Community Health Centres (CHCs), district hospitals and other government health facilities.The initiative focused on delivering women-centric preventive, promotive and curative healthcare services at the community level. It strengthened screening, early detection and treatment linkages for non-communicable diseases, anaemia, tuberculosis and sickle cell disease.Simultaneously, it promoted maternal, child and adolescent health through antenatal care, immunisation, nutrition support, menstrual hygiene awareness, and lifestyle and mental health interventions.The campaign also sought to mobilise communities towards healthier living, placing particular emphasis on obesity prevention, improved nutrition and voluntary blood donation, reinforcing the broader goal of building healthier families through empowered women.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosShashi Tharoor-Led Parliament Panel Flags Concerns Over Modi Israel Trip Amid Rising Iran TCanada’s Big Signal Before Carney’s India Trip, To Strip 26/11 Accused Tahawwur Rana’s CitizenshipIndia’s Nuclear Submarine Triad Strengthens With INS Aridhaman Joining INS Arihant, INS ArighaatEx-Envoy Sikri Explains Anti-India Sentiment In Neighbourhood, India-Bangladesh Ties Under BNP GovtHafiz Saeed Link Surfaces As Delhi Police Bust Lashkar e Taiba Module Run From Bangladesh Base’Very Significant’: Expert Highlights Mark Carney’s India Agenda Ahead Of Key Meet With ModiIndian Envoy Praises NSA Ajit Doval’s Ottawa Visit As India, Canada Seal Strong Security Action PlanTharoor Lauds Modi Govt’s Move To Replace Lutyens’ Statue With Rajaji’s Bust At Rashtrapati BhavanKamal Maula Mosque At MP’s Bhojshala Built Using Parts Of Ancient Temples: ASICanada PM Mark Carney’s First India Trip Finalised, Major Focus On Uranium, Defence And Trade Deals123PhotostoriesCrime in cold blood: Son kills father, hides dismembered body in drum in Lucknow5 luxury cars engineered to eliminate travel fatigue on long drivesFrom a fancy vanity room to a lavish living room: Inside Anupamaa actress Rupali Ganguly’s beautiful houseBirth number–wise remedies to protect yourself from evil eye & black magicVijay Deverakonda-Rashmika Mandanna wedding: Craziest viral moments of the ‘VIROSH’ duo10 tasty, safe, and healthy street foods to enjoy across IndiaKeto, vegan, paleo: Are we overcomplicating simple food?Bride-to-be Rashmika Mandanna’s Chocolate Protein Oat Pancake is all you need for a healthy beginning of the dayLiked Luca Guadagnino’s ‘American Psycho’? Then these black comedy thrillers on OTT, you simply can’t missNot just cheetahs: 5 lesser-known wildlife species thriving in Kuno123Hot PicksStock Market crashIBM share price crashGold rate todayKerala name changeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingAAA stars in WWE 2K26El MenchoPatrick MahomesTop Stock RecommendationsSean McVayKamal Maula MosqueUday Bhanu ChibUttarakhand high courtTamil Nadu JEE MainGujarat High Court
NEW DELHI: The government is set to roll out a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for girls aged 14 and above, offering the Gardasil jab free of cost as part of a major push to curb cervical cancer, according to official sources cited by PTI.The voluntary programme, to be implemented across the country in the coming weeks, aims to expand equitable access to life-saving immunisation and strengthen India’s fight against one of the most common cancers affecting women.Officials said the quadrivalent HPV vaccine to be administered under the programme protects against HPV types 16 and 18 — responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases — as well as types 6 and 11.Emphasising the scientific backing for the initiative, an official source said, “Strong global and Indian scientific evidence confirms that a single dose provides robust and durable protection when administered to girls in the recommended age group.”Citing strong global and Indian scientific evidence, a senior source noted that a single dose administered within the recommended age group provides “robust and durable protection”.“Vaccination under the national programme will be voluntary and free of cost, ensuring equitable access across socio-economic groups,” the PTI reported, citing sources.
What is ‘Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar’ drive?
The ‘Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’ is described as the largest-ever health outreach initiative for women and children in India. Jointly spearheaded by the Ministry of health & family welfare (MoHFW) and the Ministry of women & child development (MoWCD), the nationwide campaign saw lakhs of health camps organised between 17 September and 2 October at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Community Health Centres (CHCs), district hospitals and other government health facilities.The initiative focused on delivering women-centric preventive, promotive and curative healthcare services at the community level. It strengthened screening, early detection and treatment linkages for non-communicable diseases, anaemia, tuberculosis and sickle cell disease.Simultaneously, it promoted maternal, child and adolescent health through antenatal care, immunisation, nutrition support, menstrual hygiene awareness, and lifestyle and mental health interventions.The campaign also sought to mobilise communities towards healthier living, placing particular emphasis on obesity prevention, improved nutrition and voluntary blood donation, reinforcing the broader goal of building healthier families through empowered women.
