Assam District Exceeds HPV Vaccine Target

Kamrup Metro, encompassing Guwahati, has achieved a significant milestone by exceeding its Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination target, reaching 100.9% coverage. This success is part of Assam's intensified campaign to vaccinate adolescent girls and protect them from cervical cancer.

As of June 21, 2026, Assam had vaccinated 2,25,936 girls in the 14-15 age group, approximately 70% of its target. The vaccination pace has dramatically increased since May, with daily coverage rising substantially. Health officials credit this progress to effective coordination between district administrations, health workers, and the school education department, which has helped mitigate initial vaccine hesitancy.

The state is now focusing on districts with lower coverage, including West Karbi Anglong and Sonitpur, to ensure all eligible girls are vaccinated. Regular reviews are held to address local challenges in remote and hilly regions. The Gardasil-4 vaccine is supplied to all districts, with its efficacy maintained through continuous monitoring via the Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN).

Health experts emphasize that persistent HPV infection causes nearly all cervical cancer cases, making vaccination a crucial preventive strategy. The ongoing accelerated drive, guided by Health Minister Ashok Singhal, aims for last-mile coverage in hard-to-reach areas, with the state now averaging over 12,000 vaccinations daily.