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India Fights Cervical Cancer: HPV Vaccine Drive Begins
12 Dec
Summary
- One in five global cervical cancer patients are from India.
- Pune will begin an HPV vaccination program in January 2026.
- The program aims to vaccinate 50,000 school girls initially.
India is intensifying its fight against cervical cancer with a new HPV vaccination drive commencing in Pune district in January 2026. This initiative is particularly crucial as one in every five women globally diagnosed with cervical cancer hails from India. The program, a collaboration between the Pune Zilla Parishad, Serum Institute of India, and Jivika Foundation, will initially focus on vaccinating 50,000 school girls aged 9-14.
Designed to prevent cervical cancer, the vaccination campaign will be rolled out in schools across Pune district. Parents will receive comprehensive counseling on the vaccine's importance. The Jivika Foundation, an experienced implementation partner for the Maharashtra government, will lead the on-ground efforts, having previously administered over 45,000 HPV vaccine doses nationwide.
Beyond vaccination, the initiative emphasizes screening for adult women and providing support for those who test positive, aligning with the WHO's ambitious 90-70-90 strategy for cervical cancer elimination. This comprehensive approach aims to create a cervical cancer-free district through coordinated efforts in awareness, vaccination, and ongoing care.
