India Approves Universal Cervical Cancer Vaccination for All Girl...

The Union Cabinet approved the introduction of a free national cervical cancer vaccination programme covering all girls aged nine to fourteen across India, making it one of the largest public vaccination rollouts since the COVID-19 programme. The Cervavac vaccine, manufactured domestically by the Serum Institute of India at a cost of Rs 200 per dose, will be administered as a two-dose schedule through schools and anganwadis over a three-year rollout beginning in April 2025. India records approximately 127,000 new cervical cancer cases annually, accounting for roughly one-quarter of global cervical cancer incidence, making it a major public health burden. WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia praised the decision, estimating the programme will prevent 80,000 cancer deaths per year by 2040. States will receive performance-linked health grants to drive coverage above 90% of the eligible population.