A free HPV vaccination drive was launched at Bharath Cancer Hospital in Mysuru, Karnataka, on March 16, 2026. This initiative aims to create awareness about cervical cancer prevention among women, a significant health concern as cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women globally. In India, approximately 1.23 lakh women are newly diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures.

The vaccination drive will provide free HPV vaccinations to the first 200 registered beneficiaries. The HPV vaccine is most effective for girls and boys aged between 9-14 years, making this age group a primary focus of the campaign. The Government of India recently launched a single-shot HPV vaccination program for girls aged 14 years on February 28, 2026, with a target of administering 1.15 crore vaccinations each year.

Dr. Nagalakshmi Choudhary expressed pride in inaugurating such a meaningful program, emphasizing its importance in combating cervical cancer. Dr. C.B. Avinash also noted that cervical cancer continues to be a major health concern for women, underlining the necessity of this vaccination initiative.

The HPV vaccine has been approved by India’s drug regulator and is currently available at primary health centers, Community Health Centers, District Health Centers, and government hospitals across Mandya district. The involvement of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in the supply procurement of the HPV vaccine further strengthens the program’s foundation.

In Mandya, the HPV vaccination campaign aims to identify all eligible girls within the next month. The initiative will provide the HPV vaccine free of cost for two months, ensuring that more women have access to this crucial preventive measure. Kumara, a local health official, stated, “The HPV vaccine serves as a vital shield against cervical cancer, particularly for girls aged between 14 and 15 years.”

Despite the positive steps taken, concerns remain. The effectiveness of the HPV vaccination program in reducing cervical cancer rates in India remains to be seen. Additionally, there are lingering concerns about the influence of foreign organizations on India’s health policymaking, which are not fully resolved. Misconceptions and confusion about the vaccine among children and parents must be addressed through proper awareness, as highlighted by Kumara.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term impact of this initiative on cervical cancer incidence in India, but the program represents a significant effort to combat a disease that claims the lives of approximately 67,500 women in India each year. The average annual reduction percentage of cervical cancer incidence in India from 1990 to 2019 stands at 0.82, indicating the potential for improvement with effective vaccination strategies.

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