PM Modi launches nationwide HPV vaccination drive for 14 yr old girls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for 14-year-old girls from Ajmer in Rajasthan, marking a major step in India’s fight against cervical cancer.The campaign was formally inaugurated at a programme held in Kayad, Ajmer, where several adolescent girls were administered the vaccine in the presence of the Prime Minister. Modi also interacted with beneficiaries and underscored the importance of preventive healthcare in safeguarding the future of young girls.
According to officials, the campaign will use a single-dose “Gardasil 4” vaccine, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine designed to protect against HPV types 16 and 18 ,the primary causes of cervical cancer as well as types 6 and 11.The Union Health Ministry, in a communication issued to all states on February 25, stated that all 14-year-old girls across the country will receive a single dose of the Gardasil 4 vaccine at government health facilities. These include Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Primary Health Centres), Community Health Centres, sub-district and district hospitals, and government medical colleges and hospitals.Officials said the drive aims to significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India. The initiative is part of the government’s broader push to strengthen preventive healthcare and expand immunisation coverage nationwide.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi referred to a recent global summit held in Delhi, describing it as the world’s largest AI summit attended by prime ministers, presidents and top corporate leaders from across the globe. PM said India received widespread praise from international participants for its growing technological leadership.
However, PM accused the opposition,Congress of attempting to tarnish the country’s image during the event. “The Congress, drowning in despair and frustration, tried to defame the nation before foreign guests. They staged a drama to humiliate the country,” he alleged, adding that the party was venting frustration over its electoral setbacks by targeting India’s global reputation.

#WATCH | Ajmer, Rajasthan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Recently, the world's largest AI summit took place in Delhi. Prime Ministers and Presidents from many countries around the world attended the event. Leaders of the world's biggest companies also gathered under one… pic.twitter.com/CFzJ0CAnFp

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2026

The vaccination campaign, officials said, reflects the government’s dual focus on strengthening healthcare delivery while projecting India’s growing stature on the world stage.