Agartala, February 28, 2026: The Government of India has launched a three-month nationwide HPV vaccination campaign aimed at preventing cervical cancer, a disease that is rapidly increasing among women in the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the national programme in Ajmer, Rajasthan, on February 28, while the state-level campaign in Tripura was launched at IGM Hospital, Agartala. Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha attended the event virtually via video conference.
Under the initiative, adolescent girls aged 14 years and above but not yet 15 will be eligible to receive the HPV vaccine free of cost. In Tripura, nearly 17,500 girls are expected to be vaccinated during the campaign, which will run for three months.
Vaccinations will be administered across all routine immunization sessions, including Agartala Government Medical College & GB Hospital, IGM Hospital, TMC, primary health centres, community health centres, sub-divisional hospitals, and district hospitals.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the leading cause of cervical cancer. According to the World Health Organization, thousands of women in India are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, with many succumbing to the disease. Experts emphasize that timely vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of future infections.
Alongside vaccination, doctors stress the importance of regular screening and awareness campaigns to ensure long-term prevention. Medical professionals are optimistic that this initiative will help bring down cervical cancer rates across the country.
The campaign will be monitored through U-WIN (Universal Immunization WIN), a digital platform launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The portal records and tracks immunization data for children and adolescents nationwide, ensuring transparency and accountability.
The Tripura launch event was attended by several dignitaries, including Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, Director of Health Services Dr. Debasree Debbarma, Director of Family Welfare and Preventive Medicine Dr. Anjan Das, Joint Mission Director of National Health Mission Tripura Dr. Nupur Debbarma, Member Secretary of State Health and Family Welfare Society Dr. Shouvik Debbarma, and Chief Medical Officer of West Tripura Dr. Shankar Chakraborty, among others.
