2. National HPV Vaccination Campaign: A Paradigm Shift in Women’s Healthcare

• Strategic Initiative: Launched on February 28, 2026, the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme targets 1.15 crore girls aged 14 years. The campaign provides the vaccine freeof-cost at government facilities, aiming to eliminate cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer among Indian women. • Vaccine Profile & Efficacy: The campaign utilizes Gardasil-4, a quadrivalent vaccine protecting against HPV types 16 and 18 (cancer-causing) and 6 and 11 (wart-causing). A single dose has demonstrated 93–100% effectiveness in preventing the targeted HPV strains if administered before the onset of sexual activity. • Institutional Framework: The programme is supported by a US$250 million partnership with GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance. Implementation is integrated into the National Immunisation Schedule, leveraging the U-WIN digital platform for registration and the eVIN (Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network) for real-time supply chain monitoring. • Implementation Protocol: A dedicated 90-day intensive campaign ensures maximum reach, with vaccinations conducted at Government Health Facilities equipped with functional Cold Chain Points (CCP) and dedicated medical officers for managing Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI). • Global Alignment: With this launch, India joins over 160 countries in the global fight against cervical cancer. Projections suggest that achieving elimination targets could avert 74 million new cases and 62 million deaths globally by 2120. • Vision of Equity: The programme is a cornerstone of the \'Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar\' vision, focusing on preventive oncology and reducing the disproportionate burden of cancer-related maternal mortality.  Key Definitions • Cervical Cancer: A type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina), almost entirely caused by persistent high-risk HPV infections. • Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which are spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. High-risk types (16 and 18) are responsible for the majority of cervical cancers. • GAVI (The Vaccine Alliance): A global health partnership of public and private sector organizations dedicated to \'immunisation for all.\' • U-WIN Platform: A digital ecosystem for maintaining a central registry of routine immunizations, facilitating digital selfregistration and QR-based vaccination certificates. Constitutional & Legal Provisions • Article 21: The Right to Life includes the right to health. The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that the State has an obligation to preserve life and provide health facilities. • Article 47 (DPSP): Directs the State to regard the raising of the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people and the improvement of public health as among its primary duties. • Seventh Schedule (List II, Entry 6): Public health and sanitation, hospitals, and dispensaries are primarily State subjects, though the Union coordinates national health programmes under the Concurrent List (Entry 29: Prevention of extension from one State to another of infectious or contagious diseases). Additional Key Points for Analysis • Disease Burden: India accounts for 25% of global cervical cancer deaths, with approximately 80,000 annual fatalities. • Exclusion Criteria: The vaccine is contraindicated for pregnant individuals, those with yeast allergies, or those who have previously completed an HPV vaccine cycle (e.g., Cervavac, Cervarix). • Cold Chain Management: Maintaining the vaccine between 2°C to 8°C is critical for potency, managed through the eVIN system. • Socio-Economic Impact: 20% of children who lose their mothers to cancer do so because of cervical cancer, making this a critical intervention for family stability. Conclusion The transition of the HPV vaccine from a luxury private-market commodity to a free universal public health intervention marks a milestone in India\'s preventive healthcare. By addressing the \'silent killer\' of women through a digitally-tracked, single-dose strategy, India is not only bolstering its domestic health infrastructure but also contributing significantly to the WHO’s global goal of cervical cancer elimination. UPSC Relevance • GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for development in health; Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health. • GS Paper III: Developments in the field of Science & Technology (Biotechnology and Vaccines). • Essay/Social Issues: Women’s empowerment through health equity; Developmental goals and maternal mortality