Every year, thousands of Indian women are affected by a largely preventable disease. Cervical cancer continues to be one of the biggest health threats facing women in the country — but a nationwide vaccination drive may soon change that reality.

Did you know that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in India? According to official data, every year India reports around 80,000 cervical cancer cases and 40,000 deaths.

The good news now is that this cancer has a vaccine! The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: recently, the Union Health Ministry announced that this vaccine will be administered free of cost to all girls aged 14 across the country.

When is it likely to start?

Although the government is yet to give an exact date for the drive, they have mentioned that it will begin soon – By February end and the vaccine campaign will be held for 90 days across the nation.

The vaccination drive will be voluntary and provided free of cost at designated government health centres, including: 

Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

Community health centres

Community health centres

Government medical colleges. 

Government medical colleges. 

According to Health Ministry sources, who was quoted by NDTV: All vaccination sessions will take place under the supervision of trained medical officers, with proper systems in place to monitor recipients after the shot and manage any rare adverse reactions.

With this rollout, India will........

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