HPV campaign falters in Raj, govt orders speed-up

Jaipur: Nearly 50 days after the HPV vaccination programme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ajmer on Feb 27, the health department has flagged poor coverage across most districts and ordered an accelerated rollout of the cervical cancer prevention campaign.

The state aims to vaccinate around 8.3 lakh girls annually, with those aged 14–15 forming the key target group. A three-month grace period has been allowed for girls who turn 15 to complete vaccination within the eligibility window. However, progress has been slow. In the first 50 days, only 7,720 girls aged 14 received the HPV vaccine across 2,795 sessions—an average of just three vaccinations per session, far below expectations.



Officials have now been directed to ensure 100% coverage among eligible girls. Govt and private schools have been asked to motivate students and link them to nearby vaccination sites, while anganwadi workers will mobilise beneficiaries at the grassroots level.

To boost numbers, fresh targets have been assigned. Community health officers, auxiliary nurse midwives and ASHA workers must mobilise at least 10 girls per session. Primary health centre and session in-charges have been instructed to ensure attendance of at least 50 girls at each session.

A seven-day special campaign will be launched soon in districts with low coverage. Authorities may also open additional vaccination centres at government medical institutions if required.

Officials said all eligible girls must be registered on the U-WIN platform and vaccinated as per national guidelines. Departments including women and child development, education, rural development and Panchayati Raj have been tasked with intensifying awareness and countering vaccine hesitancy.

Reproductive and Child Health Director Dr Madhu Rateshwar said cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women after breast cancer, underscoring the need for prevention. She added that the HPV vaccine is safe, effective and provided free of cost to the target group.

GRAPHICS

HPV Coverage

* Eligible girls: 8,32,836

* Vaccine used: Gardasil-4 (quadrivalent)

* Dose: 0.5 ml, intramuscular

* Site: Left upper arm
Get real-time updates and result insights on the UP Board Result 2026 and Assam HS Class 12th Result 2026.