After years of advocacy, the Government of India has confirmed plans to include the HPV vaccine in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) to protect young girls against cervical cancer. Health Ministry officials say the vaccine rollout is expected within the next few months — pending final implementation decisions and formal guidelines.

Maharashtra has already received nearly 10 lakh doses of HPV vaccine, and local health departments are ready to begin vaccination once the central guidelines are issued. The drive is planned for girls aged above 14 but under 15 years using a single-dose regimen aimed at cervical cancer prevention.